NEWS RELEASE

HRM approves effort to help cut energy consumption of vending machines

(Tuesday, May 4, 2010) - This evening (May 4), Halifax Regional Council endorsed a recommendation from the Energy and Underground Services Advisory Committee to direct staff to develop a Memorandum of Understanding with Refreshments Canada which will result in a 25 percent decrease in energy consumption in refrigerated vending machines in the region.

This initiative will equate to a cut of approximately 5,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in the HRM, resulting in a half million dollar electricity cost savings to facility owners and operators.

"Both Coke and Pepsi, the primary members of Refreshments Canada, have laudable Corporate Social Responsibility programs," said Mayor Peter Kelly. "We appreciate their effort to help us meet HRM’s Community Environmental Goals."

The Energy and Underground Services Advisory Committee works on a variety of energy initiatives to reduce the municipality’s long-term reliance on fossil fuels and reduce GHG emissions.

 

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Contacts:
Mayor Peter Kelly
Halifax Regional Municipality
490-4010

Councillor Sue Uteck, Chair
HRM Energy and Underground Services Advisory Committee
902-425-1724

Richard MacLellan, Manager
Sustainable Environment Management Office
(902) 490-6056