Charity and Sustainability Come Together at Ronald McDonald House

Through support of $118,000 from the Newfoundland and Labrador Green Fund, a number of environmentally-friendly options will be incorporated into the construction of the new Ronald McDonald House in the province. With the proposed energy-efficient features slated for the structure, the project has the potential to reduce 186 tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions annually.

“We are always encouraging the community at large to find ways to incorporate sustainable, environmental aspects into building projects in the province, and this initiative is a stellar example,” said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Environment and Conservation. “As a home-away-from-home for families of sick children in our province, this facility is certainly close to the hearts of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Helping reduce its environmental footprint represents one more accolade for the Ronald McDonald House.”

The two-storey structure, which will have 17,000 square feet of living space, will also implement a number of energy-efficient measures. These include increased wall and roof insulation, rainwater collection system, bike storage areas, energy-efficient lights and occupancy sensors, and the use of sustainable materials such as wood siding.

The chair of the building committee for Ronald McDonald House, John Henley, says that the organization’s values are reflected in its commitment to being careful stewards of the environment, and environmental considerations are an important aspect of decision-making.

“While pursuing our mission in support of children and families, Ronald McDonald House is dedicated to environmental sustainability, reducing our ecological footprint and treading more lightly on the Earth,” said Mr. Henley.

The Provincial Government recognizes the importance of leading by example when it comes to responding to climate change and improving energy efficiency. This commitment is evidenced through two separate, yet complementary, action plans focused on climate change and energy efficiency approaches.

Containing 75 specific commitments, Charting Our Course: Climate Change Action Plan 2011 establishes a strategic approach to climate change and sets out government’s vision and goals for the next five years with regard to adapting to the unavoidable aspects of climate change and reducing greenhouse emissions. Recognizing that opportunities also exist to improve energy efficiency in a cost-effective way, the 40 action items contained in Moving Forward: Energy Efficiency Action Plan 2011 articulate government’s vision for energy efficiency in our province.

Funding for energy-efficient initiatives at the Ronald McDonald House comes from the Newfoundland and Labrador Green Fund, a $25 million program supported by both the Federal and Provincial Governments. The funding is to support projects geared toward environmental sustainability and are able to provide real reductions in GHG emissions.

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2012 04 05             10:35 a.m.