this news release - Canadian GeoExchange Coalition

1030, rue Cherrier St, Bureau/Suite 501
Montréal (Québec) H2L 1H9
T : (514) 807-7559
F : (514) 807-8221
www.geo-exchange.ca
For immediate release
Canadian GeoExchange Coalition undertakes national consultation
Proposed geoexchange certification program and registry to strengthen consumer confidence in
alternative energy management system
Montréal, May 31, 2006 – The Canadian GeoExchange Coalition (CGC) is undertaking a national consultation by
inviting comments from various industry stakeholders about its proposed national geoexchange certification
program, which will require all installers and designers of geoexchange systems to become accredited.
This consultation will be held throughout June and July and is targeted at installers and designers of ground source
heat pump systems, as well as utility program managers, government agencies, financial institutions, building
owners and managers, developers, and the general public.
“With the official launch and implementation of the national certification program this Fall, consumers can breath a
little easier, taking comfort in the fact that professionals who fulfill the requirements of the certification program will
be accredited to install and design geoexchange systems in Canada,” said Denis Tanguay, CGC’s Executive
Director. “This is a major milestone for the Canadian geoexchange industry and a significant market transformation
initiative because it is the first time a recognized training and accreditation is developed at the national level and
designed to be fully adaptable to regional needs across Canada,” he added.
A series of pilot and demonstration projects, industry consultations and discussions have consistently demonstrated
the growing need for the development of a nationally recognized training standard and certification for the
geoexchange industry. Based on this evidence, the CGC commissioned an independent study to investigate the
viability of establishing such a program, and to provide recommendations and guidelines. The study, conducted
from December 2005 to February 2006, is a review and analysis of past industry initiatives and a survey of multiple
industry stakeholders.
The CGC and its Board of Directors reviewed the study’s findings and recommendations, which found in favour of
the establishment of such a program. The Board subsequently recommended that the document be submitted to a
nation-wide industry consultation for comment. The CGC will consider all feedback received before proceeding with
implementation of the certification program.
Interested stakeholders are invited to attend one of the public meetings to be held in the following 12 cities (See
Annex A): Vancouver, Edmonton, Regina, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Halifax, Fredericton,
Charlottetown and St. John’s. Comments can also be provided by filling out a questionnaire on line. To access the
consultation document and the questionnaire visit www.geo-exchange.ca.
The Canadian GeoExchange™ Coalition acts as the industry catalyst to unite private and public sector
stakeholders, and to expand the market for ground source heat pumps and geoexchange™ technology in Canada.
As the nexus of information, training, certification, standards and public awareness, our mandate is to work with
stakeholders to build the necessary infrastructure to foster the growth of the Canadian geoexchange™ industry.
- 30 For inquiries, please contact:
Daniela Pizzuto, Communications Manager
(514) 807-7559, extension 33
(514) 983-7559 (mobile)
[email protected]
www.geo-exchange.ca
Sourcing Earth’s energy potential
Annex A
CGC National Consultation on Proposed
GeoExchange Certification Program
Consultation nationale sur le projet Programme
national de certification en technologie géothermique
Public meetings schedule
Horaires des rencontres publiques
June 12 juin
Winnipeg
13h30 – 16h00
The Fairmont Winnipeg
2 Lombard Place, Winnipeg
June 13 juin
Regina
13h30 – 16h00
Regina Inn – Room Wascana B
1975 Board Street, Regina
June 14 juin
Edmonton
13h00 – 15h30
Delta Edmonton
1022 – 102nd Street, Edmonton
June 16 juin
Vancouver
8h30 – 11h30
Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown
1128 West Hastings, Vancouver
June 19 juin
Québec
13h30 – 16h00
Hôtel Gouverneur Ste-Foy – Salon Frontenac
3030, boul. Laurier, Ste-Foy
June 20 juin
Montréal
13h30 – 16h00
Hôtel Gouverneur Place Dupuis – Salles Gouverneur 1 & 2
1415, rue Saint-Hubert, Montréal
June 21 juin
Ottawa
9h30 – 12h00
The Fairmont Château Laurier – Renaissance Room
1 Rideau Street, Ottawa
June 22 juin
Toronto
13h30 – 16h00
Fairfield Inn & Suites
3299 Caroga Drive, Mississauga
June 26 juin
Halifax
13h30 – 16h00
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (Main entrance in courtyard)
1723 Hollis Street, Halifax
June 27 juin
Fredericton
14h00 – 16h30
Holiday Inn Hotel & Resort Fredericton – Room Mactaquac I
35 Mactaquac Road, Fredericton
June 28 juin
Charlottetown
14h00 – 16h30
Holiday Inn Express and Suites – Library Room
200 Trans Canada Hwy
June 29 juin
St.John’s
13h30 – 16h00
Holiday Inn St.John’s – Government Center – Salon D
180 Portugal Cove Road, St.John’s
Please choose a session and return this form by fax
to the CGC at (514) 807-8221
Name / Nom
Address / Adresse
City / Ville
Province
Postal Code / Code Postal
Telephone / Téléphone
Fax / Télécopieur
e-mail / Courriel
Website / Site Internet
Prière de choisir une session et retourner ce
formulaire à la CCEG au (514) 807-8221