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"GO GREEN" STANDARD MEANS BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE IN PROVINCIAL BUILDINGS

CALGARY (March 17, 2006) — The Alberta government is adopting a new environmental standard for the operation of its major provincial government buildings across the province.

The decision to adopt the Go Green certification program for provincial facilities builds on previous government initiatives to improve energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in its buildings. The Go Green program, operated by the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), emphasizes ecologically sound building operations by establishing performance standards in such areas as energy use, water use and indoor air quality.

"BOMA Go Green is a green building initiative that ensures our buildings are safer for those who work in them and improves staff health and productivity, while reducing energy consumption and operating costs," said Dr. Lyle Oberg, Minister of Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation.

"The Government of Alberta is a national leader when it comes to an action plan that addresses climate change," said Guy Boutilier, Minister of Environment. "This program is another excellent example of a made-in-Alberta initiative that will help protect our environment for this generation, and generations to come."

McDougall Centre in Calgary has been certified as the first Alberta government-owned Go Green facility. On March 14, a second provincial building, the Alberta Research Council facility in Edmonton, achieved Go Green certification. Government has also submitted an application to certify the Pincher Creek provincial building. More than 80 major provincial buildings are under consideration for Go Green certification. The privately owned Telus Convention Centre in Calgary was the very first building in Alberta to be certified Go Green.

"The Go Green program provides building owners with the tools they need to reduce their energy consumption, improve waste management, and generally enhance their environmental stewardship," said William Partridge, Executive Vice-President of BOMA Calgary. "We are very pleased the government has adopted our standard."

To qualify, staff and contractors will complete the certification process, which includes an energy audit. The application fee is nominal and certification is valid for three years.

Through current operating procedures, government already meets many of the required criteria for certification. New procedures and energy efficiency projects will be funded through related cost savings. Best practices from the Go Green program will also be implemented in smaller government facilities.

Media enquiries may be directed to:

Bart Johnson, Communications
Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation
(780) 415-1841

William (Bill) Partridge, Executive Vice-President
BOMA Calgary
(403) 237-0559

Editor's Note: BOMA's Go Green Plus is the Canadian version of Green Globes for Existing Buildings. In 2004, it was adopted by the Building Owners and Manufacturers Association of Canada as a national program.