Environment and Conservation
December 3, 2008

Green Alternative to Home Heating Receives Green Fund Support

A company in Bishop�s Falls has received funding under the Newfoundland and Labrador Green Fund for the production of wood pellets as a green alternative to electric or oil heating.

Exploits Pelletizing Inc. has received approximately $128,000 to support the establishment of a wood pellet production venture. The company will use this funding, as well as investments from other sources such as the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, to offer an economic and environmentally-sound alternative to space heating with fossil fuels.

"When we utilize wood pellets as an alternate fuel source, we contribute to greenhouse gas reductions," said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, acting Minister of Environment and Conservation. "In our Climate Change Action Plan, we articulated the need to continue dialogue with industry and advocate for climate change strategies that are in the interest of local industry. This initiative clearly demonstrates the goals we have set out in our plan, as well as our provincial Energy Plan."

Blanchard�s Woodworking Ltd., the parent company of Exploits Pelletizing Inc., will provide the raw material for these pellets from the waste dust that is produced from the manufacturing of cupboard doors and moldings. One tonne of waste sawdust makes about half a tonne, or 25 bags, of wood pellets. The manufacturing of the wood pellets at this facility will result in approximately 18 tonnes of waste being diverted from local landfills every month.

"We are very happy to be involved in the production of such an environmentally-friendly product," said Rodney Blanchard, President of Exploits Pelletizing Inc. "We know that a wood pellet stove produces only one-fifth the air emissions of an EPA rated wood stove, so this technology will certainly help reduce our GHG contribution in the province. We are grateful for the opportunity to avail of funding for this endeavour."

"The pelletizing production facility is a welcome initiative to the area and the province as a whole," said Clayton Forsey, MHA for Exploits. "This unique process will add value to a waste product that would otherwise end up in our landfills, and it also offers a very economic home heating alternative. I am delighted that our government is able to assist such an innovative opportunity."

"Although Newfoundland and Labrador accounts for a very small portion of global emissions, we have to be cognizant that we all need to do our part if we are to make significant improvements in reducing GHGs," said Minister Jackman. "I am pleased that our Green Fund, which we established to assist industries and others in carrying out activities to reduce emissions, will help with such a green approach to fuel consumption in our province."

The Provincial Government invested $500,000 to provide a 25 per cent rebate to home owners on the purchase of an energy-efficient wood pellet appliance in preparation for winter. The rebate program is part of government�s commitment to reduce energy consumption and lower energy costs. The guidelines and application form for the Residential Wood Pellet Appliance Rebate are available on government�s website at www.nr.gov.nl.ca/nr/.

As part of the EcoAction Trust Fund for Clean Air and Climate Change, the Government of Canada provided the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador with $23 million in funding over a three-year period to support projects that provide real reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. In Budget 2008, the province allocated an additional $2 million, and expanded the criteria to include aspects of environmental sustainability. The Newfoundland and Labrador Green Fund incorporates both funding sources.

For more information, or to access an application form, please go to www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/Env/policy%20and%20planning/greenfund.htm.

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Media contact:
Melony O�Neill
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 689-0928
moneill@gov.nl.ca

2008 12 03                                                    10:45 p.m.
 


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