Waterloo home to Canada's first green Bay store

"Waterloo has become home to some of Canada's leading entrepreneurs and most successful companies," said Bonnie Brooks, President and CEO, The Bay.

"Our new store provides people in Waterloo with an exciting shopping experience, as well as appealing to the community's environmentally progressive nature through unique green initiatives like solar panels, wind turbines, energy efficient lighting and even recyclable carpet."

Among the store's many green innovations are:

- Special energy efficient lighting inside and out - LED exterior signage lights, which uses 10 percent of the energy required for conventional lighting; Fluorescent lighting uses energy efficient T8 and T5 ballast which save energy and reduce cooling loads while providing same lighting quality within the store.

- High efficiency roof top units use ozone friendly R410A refrigerant.

- Accent lighting uses highly efficient Metal Halide light fixtures.

- Solar panels mounted on the front of the store enabling the store to draw less power from the local grid.

- Two wind turbines, which will generate enough electricity to offset the power consumption of an average home.

- White TPO roofing to reflect heat and reduce thermal islanding; the cooler roof reduces the need for air conditioning and is recyclable at end of life.

- Waterless urinals and touchless water faucets and toilets for water conservation.

- Carpet tile is recyclable.

- Fully automated energy management system controlled by Hbc head office, which allows the Company to reduce energy consumption.

Peter Love, Ontario's Chief Energy Conservation Officer, has already recognized Hbc's commitment to creating a culture of conservation Ontario, and has awarded his prestigious Certificate of Recognition for their efforts.

"There is no doubt that energy conservation benefits us environmentally and economically", he said. "Hbc has shown that saving electricity can also go hand in hand with high style, with no compromise in comfort or design."