News Release

ENERGY STAR® PARTICIPANTS AWARDED FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY   May 13, 2003  TORONTO — The Government of Canada is recognizing manufacturers, retailers and other organizations for their outstanding work in promoting energy efficiency. Roy Cullen, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke North, today presented the first Special Recognition Awards for Energy Star® Market Transformation at a ceremony in Toronto. Mr. Cullen made the presentation on behalf of the Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Natural Resources Canada. "These organizations have made excellent strides in promoting the Energy Star mark, thereby helping Canadians choose energy-efficient products," said Mr. Cullen. "With their ongoing support, we will continue to inform Canadians about the benefits of energy efficiency and develop the products and services that can help them reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change." Awards were presented to manufacturers, retailers and environmental advocates who were chosen because of their early commitment and significant contributions to Energy Star and its energy-efficiency objectives. This initiative is one element of the Government of Canada’s Climate Change Plan for Canada, in which all Canadians are asked to reduce individual emissions by 20 percent or about one tonne a year. This year’s winners are as follows: Whirlpool Canada Inc. — Energy Star Manufacturer of the Year Panasonic Canada Inc. — Energy Star Manufacturer of the Year Sears Canada Inc. — Energy Star Retailer of the Year British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority — Energy Star Public Service Program of the Year Keep Cool Campaign, organized by the Clean Air Foundation — Energy Star Promotional Campaign of the Year Clean Air Partnership and Toronto Atmospheric Fund for developing the Clean Air Consumer Guide — Energy Star Participant of the Year Public Works and Government Services Canada — Energy Star Government Initiative of the Year — Federal Level Yukon Development Corporation — Energy Star Government Initiative of the Year — Provincial/Territorial Level The Energy Star symbol is an international mark of energy efficiency. Energy Star-qualified products, with their specifications for high energy-efficiency, help save energy without compromising performance or features. A range of products bearing the Energy Star label is now available to Canadians, including major appliances, home electronics, office equipment, some lighting products, and heating, cooling and ventilation equipment. NRCan, through its Office of Energy Efficiency, promotes the Energy Star symbol in Canada. It encourages suppliers of energy-efficient products, utilities, governments and non-government organizations to become active participants in the program. The program also informs and motivates Canadians to choose energy-efficient products that carry the Energy Star symbol. Currently, 40 organizations are registered participants in Canada’s Energy Star initiative, including five major retail chains, gas and electrical utilities, non-government organizations and major manufacturers of appliances and heating, cooling and commercial products. This initiative builds on the Government of Canada’s commitment to a healthy environment, ensuring the quality of life in our communities and our continued economic prosperity — for the Canada we want, for ourselves and for future generations. For more information, media may contact: Alexandra Muir Director of Communications Office of the Minister Natural Resources Canada Ottawa (613) 947-8246 or Ghyslain Charron Media Relations Natural Resources Canada Ottawa (613) 992-4447 NRCan’s news releases and backgrounders are available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media. For more information on the Energy Star® initiative, please visit www.energystar.gc.ca.