 "We're reducing operating costs and lowering emissions for our new stores. Furthermore, we're receiving financial incentives from NRCan to design and build in the efficiencies. And, for Hbc 's 450 existing stores, Energy Advantage has assisted in the development and implementation of lighting, HVAC and building automation retrofit programs that save operating costs and emissions." Hudson's Bay Company (Hbc) has been a valued client of Energy Advantage since 1998. Energy Advantage sits as a member of the Hudson's Bay Company's Energy Management Team which has internal Hbc representation from engineering, operations, finance, real estate, design and construction. Hbc's natural gas procurement across Canada and electricity procurement in Alberta and Ontario is pro-actively managed by Energy Advantage. Hbc optimizes its cost of energy commodities through direct purchase and unbundled supply and delivery where these options are available. Energy Advantage's invoice management service tracks energy use for Hbc by processing all utility/supplier invoices. Payment advice and accounting information (general ledger entry) is provided to Hbc, ensuring invoices are correct and paid on time. Cost and consumption information off the invoices is used to maintain an on-line energy reporting system that allows management to track the results of energy initiatives and compare energy efficiency of individual stores, divisions, or banners. "Hbc has achieved maximum efficiency in bill management. Bills are handled only once and the data is then used for payment, financial reporting, energy efficiency monitoring, energy awareness programs and for greenhouse gas emissions reporting" says Fred Ware, Senior Manager, Energy and Environment Sourcing Initiatives. With the assistance of Energy Advantage, Hbc has incorporated energy efficiency into the design of its new facilities. Through building simulations and participation in NRCan's Commercial Building Incentive Program, Hbc's new stores are designed to consume 25% less energy than if they were built to current building codes. Hbc has been recognized with awards from NRCan and the Association of Energy Engineers for these energy efficiency achievements. It is registered with Canada's Voluntary Challenge Registry under which, with the assistance of Energy Advantage, it has developed and implemented a corporate Greenhouse Gas Emission strategy. "Hudson's Bay Company is proud of its energy efficiency initiatives. They have resulted in significant reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases which are major contributors to global warming", concluded Mr. Ware. |