OTTAWA, Ont. – Bison Transport was the sole winner of the transportation sector award March 22 at the Energy Efficiency Awards ceremony at the National Arts Centre.

The award was timely, given that Bison is also celebrating it’s 35th year in business.

The annual ceremony rewards Canadian businesses, industry, institutions, governments, communities and individuals who have made great strides in becoming more energy efficient for their efforts.

The ceremony also raises awareness that energy efficiency is a key part of Canada’s response to climate change.

The Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada, was on hand to make presentations to this year’s 15 winners and nine honourable mentions.

Bison Transport of Winnipeg, Man. was honoured for its Tatonka Fuel Management Skills Development Program. Tatonka, named for an Aboriginal word for bison, features instructor-led discussions, computer-based modules and a full-motion vehicle simulator.

Bison is having all of its 800 drivers participate in this extensive training program, which teaches them about progressive shifting techniques, the value of reduced idling and managing speed and space effectively.

A test group of 82 drivers was recently found to have reduced fuel consumption by three per cent, which means Bison could save up to $750,000 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3.2 million kilograms per year once drivers are trained.

“With 675 tractors and 1,450 trailers serving customers in six Canadian provinces and 48 American states, Bison Transport takes fuel efficiency extremely seriously,” said Jon Sigurdson, Bison’s fuel manager.

“Our goal is to continue to have one of the most fuel-efficient fleets in North America.”

Canada’s Energy Efficiency Awards are managed by the Office of Energy Efficiency of Natural Resources Canada, for more, visit www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/awards.