QUEST Names Its Top Leaders & Innovators for 2016

Calgary, Alberta – October 17, 2016. Today, QUEST announced the winners for the 2016 Smart Energy Communities Awards which were presented at QUEST’s 10^th Annual Awards and Gala in Calgary, Alberta.

The Smart Energy Communities Awards are presented annually by QUEST to recognize leadership and innovation in advancing Smart Energy Communities in Canada.  Smart Energy Communities improve energy efficiency, enhance reliability, cut costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Awards were presented in the three principal Smart Energy Communities sectors: (1) Local Public Service Sector, (2) Real Estate Sector and (3) Utility and Energy Service Providers.

The Local Public Service Sector Winner is The City of North Vancouver, BC for the Moodyville showcase community, an area-wide rezoning of historic Moodyville where all new development must achieve high energy performance, with over half of the homes expected to achieve passive house certification.

“Rezoning Moodyville has allowed for the transformation of an existing single-family neighbourhood into a model sustainable energy community that accommodates much-needed, ground-oriented family housing along with great connectivity to greenways and a rapid transit network,” says City of North Vancouver Mayor Darrell Mussatto.  “We are proud of what we’ve been able to achieve.”
 
The Real Estate Sector Winner is Ameresco and the City of London for the comprehensive improvement project to enhance energy efficiency at the Canada Games Aquatic Centre.
 
“Congratulations to Ameresco on the receipt of this award from QUEST. At the City of London, we are committed to maintaining our facilities in a modern, safe and sustainable way,” said Lynn Loubert, City of London’s Division Manager for Aquatics, Arenas and Attractions. “This project provided another opportunity for the City of London and its energy partner Ameresco to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to responsible and sustainable facility renewal.”
 
The Utility & Energy Service Providers Winner is Enbridge Gas Distribution’s Savings by Design program – created to assist builders design and construct buildings and houses with higher energy performance.
 
“Enbridge Gas Distribution is excited and proud to have received the 2016 QUEST Smart Energy Communities Award for our Savings by Design program. Improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is consistent with our motto of ‘for the good of the community’ as we support Ontario’s low-carbon future”, said Cynthia Hansen, President, Enbridge Gas Distribution.
 
 “We would like to congratulate the 2016 Smart Energy Communities Award Winners,” said Brent Gilmour, Executive Director at QUEST. “The winners are a shining example of leadership and innovation in developing Smart Energy Communities in Canada.”