SAINT JOHN, N.B. — Sixteen new projects, supported through the New Brunswick Climate Action Fund (NBCAF), will help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in New Brunswick, according to Environment Minister Rick Miles.

The Department of Environment has provided $3.5 million to Efficiency NB to support its Industrial Energy Efficiency Implementation program. This program supports 16 energy efficiency projects in the industrial sector that will increase energy efficiency and reduce GHG emissions.

“This initiative is consistent with the commitments made in the New Brunswick Climate Change Action Plan 2007-2012 (NBCCAP) to encourage projects that increase energy efficiency,” said Miles. “Investments such as this will ensure that New Brunswick continues to be a promoter of environmental sustainability, which we must achieve to remain positioned to be self-sufficient by 2026.”

These projects are expected to reduce GHG emissions by 155,385 tonnes annually – the equivalent of removing 26,953 passenger vehicles from the road for a year.

“This support from Efficiency NB will help industry move quickly to implement large energy efficiency projects,” said Energy Minister Jack Keir. “These projects help companies become more competitive. It’s a winning scenario for New Brunswick, stimulating economic activity, creating green jobs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

Efficiency NB works with industries to identify ways to reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions and then helps them develop the business case for investment in energy efficiency.

“There are huge opportunities for industry in energy efficiency,” said Elizabeth Weir, president and CEO of Efficiency NB. “Because of this funding, a number of companies have been able to take action quickly to lower costs, improve productivity and reduce greenhouse gases significantly.”

New Brunswick companies receiving funding under the program include J.D. Irving, AV Group, McCain Foods, Fraser Papers, Groupe Savoie and Marwood.

“New Brunswickers are very fortunate to have the leadership of Efficiency New Brunswick in reducing the province’s environmental footprint and energy consumption,” said Jim Irving, president of J.D. Irving Ltd. “They have been a knowledgeable resource and great partners.

“We are committed to doing everything we can to reduce energy costs and greenhouse gases. Today’s announcement regarding four of our company’s projects is part of a total $69-million investment that will realize a reduction of 160,000 tonnes per year (51% below 2006 levels) at our four pulp and paper mills in New Brunswick. These investments are not only helping to secure jobs at the mills and woodlands, but they provide 120 New Brunswick suppliers with more than 280,000 person hours of work.”

Established from New Brunswick’s portion of the federal government’s Canada Eco-Trust for Clean Air and Climate Change, the $34-million NBCAF is used to support projects in keeping with the goals of the NBCCAP. The three-year fund is dedicated to public-sector, private-sector and not-for-profit initiatives that will result in reductions or avoidance of GHG emissions and air pollution throughout the province.

The province launched the NBCCAP in June 2007. As a result of New Brunswick-led initiatives in the plan, GHG emissions will be reduced in the province by 5.5 megatonnes annually in 2012, according to officials. With the addition of federal initiatives, the NBCCAP will result in a reduction of New Brunswick’s GHG emissions to 1990 levels in 2012.