| Energy Advantage works with Habitat for Humanity and GWL Realty Advisors Inc. to build energy efficient, affordable housing for Toronto families |
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Energy Advantage, in association with GWL Realty Advisors, supports Habitat for Humanity's project to build "green" townhouses in the Toronto area this year Burlington, ON – June 22, 2007 - Energy Advantage Inc., Canada's leading provider of total energy and environmental services, has donated $5,000 to a GWL Realty Advisors homebuilding effort in support of Habitat for Humanity Canada.
Habitat for Humanity Canada is a national, non-profit, faith-based organization working for a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. The organization mobilizes volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty. "We are proud of the work that GWL Realty Advisors is doing in the community and are very impressed with their ability to connect two important issues: low-income housing and energy efficiency. We were thrilled to be involved in this project, and to roll up our sleeves next to GWL Realty Advisors' corps of volunteers," says Linda Campbell from Energy Advantage, Inc. This year Habitat for Humanity will go "green" by building 19 townhouses at 4200 Kingston Road East, Scarborough in Toronto's East end. These houses will satisfy Habitat for Humanity's desire to build affordable housing in the growing green building movement. Each house will be built to Energy Star specifications and will be 30-40% more energy efficient than those built to Ontario Building Code Standards. Energy savings will be made on heating, cooling and hot water systems. Typically, savings are achieved using building envelope upgrades, high-performance windows, controlled air infiltration, upgraded heating and air conditioning systems, tight duct systems and upgraded water-heating equipment. As energy use is reduced, so are greenhouse gas emissions. The energy savings produced are also welcome news for the families moving into these homes. Low-income households often spend as much as 17% of their total income on energy to run their house. The money they will save on energy can instead be used to make mortgage payments and to pay for food and clothing. GWL Realty Advisors, with the assistance of selected suppliers and business associates, exceeded its goal of raising the entire $80,000 necessary to build one of these energy efficient homes. A $25,000 contribution to that fundraising effort total was made through the Key to Giving™ – the national corporate citizenship program of Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life. GWL Realty Advisors – a leading real estate investment advisor providing comprehensive asset, property and development management and specialized real estate services to pension funds and institutional investors – is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Great-West Life. In addition to its $5,000 contribution, Energy Advantage also donated five people's time and labour toward the build effort. Energy Advantage is proud to partner with GWL Realty Advisors on this community project as part of an ongoing effort to reduce energy use and subsequent greenhouse gas emissions. - end -
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