Winners’ profiles—2021
2021 ENERGY STAR® Canada Awards
ENERGY STAR awards for products
Sustained Excellence—2021
Columbia Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
Columbia Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Canada’s largest skylight manufacturer, has been making residential and commercial skylights since 1961, and is one of the largest manufacturers in North America. Their operation includes a manufacturing facility, two distribution centres, and sales in every Canadian province and territory. Originally incorporated in 1955, Columbia began as a manufacturer of residential windows, shading systems, as well as skylights. In 1978, the company chose to focus on the skylight market, then expanded to offer a full line of commercial glazing, including unitized and site built curtain wall systems, custom skylights, canopies, sun shades, and solariums, as well as residential and commercial unit skylights.
Columbia has been a Participant with ENERGY STAR Canada since 2007, and continues to offer the industry’s widest range of skylight models that meet the stringent 2020 ENERGY STAR skylight specification. Columbia led all Canadian and North American skylight manufacturers by introducing a full offering of triple glazed ENERGY STAR skylights in fixed and venting models in 2010, and with i89 glazing in 2011.
Key 2020 accomplishments include:
- Became the only Canadian skylight manufacturer to provide custom glass and size options on ENERGY STAR certified fixed and venting skylights.
- Redesigned their showroom to showcase ENERGY STAR product lines and published over twenty thousand copies of various publications promoting ENERGY STAR certified models and glazing options to consumers and the building community.
- Gave on-line and in-person sales presentations on its ENERGY STAR certified models to over 2,500 contractors, technicians, architects, dealer sales associates and estimators.
- Did internal training sessions to all inside and outside sales staff on all glazing options certified for the new ENERGY STAR specification.
- Proudly acted as a brand advocate, promoting ENERGY STAR certified products through all of its promotional channels since 2007.
This is Columbia Manufacturing Co. Ltd.’s first ENERGY STAR Canada award.
Manufacturer of the Year—Appliances—2021
Samsung Electronics Canada
Samsung is one of the world’s leading electronics companies with a reputation for innovation in consumer products, including digital appliances, televisions, monitors, smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices. An ENERGY STAR Canada participant since 2003, Samsung is proud of its ENERGY STAR accomplishments and pleased to promote products as the most energy efficient options for consumers and businesses.
Key 2020 accomplishments include:
- Expanded its product line to offer varying sizes of appliances, especially as demand for smaller appliances becomes prevalent in Canada.
- Partnered with BC Hydro for its fall program to provide incentives to consumers who purchase ENERGY STAR certified products and raise consumer awareness.
- Trained employees and in-store retail sales associates of ENERGY STAR certified products and their features.
- Participated in ENERGY STAR Canada's '12 Days of ENERGY STAR' social media holiday campaign among other marketing communications on Samsung Canada owned channels and retail partner channels.
This is Samsung Electronics Canada’s eleventh ENERGY STAR Canada award: Appliance Manufacturer of the Year (2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021); Sustained Excellence (2020); Electronics Manufacturer of the Year (2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018); “ENERGY STAR Most Efficient” Promoter of the Year 2015 (2016); Collaborative Initiative of the Year (2012).
Manufacturer of the Year—Windows and Doors—2021
JELD-WEN of Canada
The Canadian operation of this international building products manufacturer has four window and door manufacturing facilities and two distribution centres across the country. JELD-WEN also has sales representatives and customer support in every province. The company has been a Participant in ENERGY STAR Canada since 2003 and continually shows a strong commitment to energy efficiency. JELD-WEN continues to grow their domestic product line to offer models that meet the stringent 2020 ENERGY STAR technical specification.
Key 2020 accomplishments include:
- Increased the number of models in their Northern Tri-Pane product offering to add additional styles all aligned to the 2020 ENERGY STAR technical specification.
- Introduced a simple to use energy efficiency calculator to help consumers understand the potential cost benefit of installing ENERGY STAR certified products.
- Launched a comprehensive campaign to market triple pane products across Canada through their Northern Tri-Pane Collection.
- Developed and published a wide array of print, digital and social media materials and carried out a number of promotional sales events to promote energy efficient windows and doors.
This is JELD-WEN of Canada’s eighth ENERGY STAR Canada award: Windows and Doors Manufacturer of the Year (2012, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2021); Sustained Excellence (2010); Participant of the Year (2009); Promotional Campaign of the Year—Specific Product (2006).
Manufacturer of the Year—Heating and Cooling Equipment—2021
Panasonic Canada Inc.
A subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation of North America, Panasonic Canada Inc. employs approximately 400 Canadians across the country and provides over 2,000 products and solutions designed to meet consumer, business, and industrial needs operating under the following business divisions in Canada: Consumer Division; Enterprise Solutions Division; Home & Building Solutions Division; and Industrial Division.
While the Panasonic brand name was first used as a brand for audio speakers in 1955, Panasonic Canada has been an ENERGY STAR Canada HVAC participant since 2013.
Key 2020 accomplishments include:
- Increased the number of ENERGY STAR certified models for sale in Canada by 8 percent in 2020 over 2019.
- Increased sales of ENERGY STAR certified products by 11 percent in 2020 over 2019.
- Increased visibility and awareness of ENERGY STAR certified products through over 20 webinars and web-based training sessions for builders, engineers, architects, and NGOs.
This is Panasonic Canada Inc.’s first ENERGY STAR Canada award.
Manufacturer of the Year—Lighting—2021
SEG Products
Montréal-based SEG Products, designs, develops, and manufactures a wide range of lighting products under its L’Image Home Products division. Its mission is to bring affordable, energy-efficient products to a variety of retail channels across North America. Even though 2020 was a challenging year, it still resulted in significant growth with a reinforced commitment to expand product lines and include new energy efficient items. ENERGY STAR remains central to the organization’s identity, facilitating discussions relating to efficiency and sustainability both internally and externally.
Key 2020 accomplishments include:
- A strong social media presence that lead to over 60,000 impressions on Facebook and X posts, many of which feature ENERGY STAR marketing.
- Participating in ENERGY STAR events including Earth Day, ENERGY STAR Day, and the ‘12 Days of ENERGY STAR’ holiday campaign. L’Image also featured ENERGY STAR on its website and in its email signatures, emphasizing the important relationship to its partners.
- New hires that helped expand business and increase ENERGY STAR focus within the company, including a new in-house engineering team to further the development of high-quality ENERGY STAR certified products with a result of increasing available products by 50%.
- Developed and certified 23 new lamps and luminaires under the ENERGY STAR brand.
This is SEG Product’s fifth ENERGY STAR Canada award: Lighting Manufacturer of the Year (2016, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021).
National Retailer of the Year—2021
The Home Depot Canada
An ENERGY STAR Canada Participant since 2001, The Home Depot Canada is one of the country’s biggest home improvement retailers with 182 stores across the country. Through its commitment to sustainability, the company recognizes ENERGY STAR as a trusted brand whose familiar symbol lends credibility to the store’s energy-efficient products.
Key 2020 accomplishments include:
- Continued the Enbridge Smart Thermostat Program for Enbridge Gas customers that provided instant rebates on ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats.
- Worked with vendors and utility partners across Canada to increase uptake on ENERGY STAR certified products through instant rebate programs as well as online rebate programs.
- Increased the number of ENERGY STAR certified products for sale in Canada over 2019.
- Supported the ‘12 Days of ENERGY STAR’ holiday campaign and donated three upright freezers as prize giveaways.
- Offered a wide assortment of ENERGY STAR certified products including categories that supported consumer trends during the pandemic. In 2020, ENERGY STAR certified freezer sales increased significantly over 2019.
- Built a new partnership with Panasonic and Revent in order to offer customers a better selection of ENERGY STAR certified bathroom fans.
This is The Home Depot Canada’s thirteenth ENERGY STAR Canada award: National Retailer of the Year (2004, 2006, 2007, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021); Sustained Excellence (2012); Advocate of the Year (2005).
Regional Retailer of the Year—2021
Corbeil Appliances
Corbeil Appliances has been part of the appliance industry since 1949 and now has 25 stores and two liquidation centres in Quebec, two stores in Toronto and one location in Gatineau. Corbeil is the largest regional retailer specializing exclusively in household appliances, offering customers an impressive selection of more than 100 top-quality brands.
Key 2020 accomplishments include:
- Increased the number of ENERGY STAR certified products for sale by 10% over 2019.
- Promoted ENERGY STAR certified appliances in-store and online during Corbeil Green Days and educated customers on how to use less energy when doing laundry.
- Held an Eco-Electro contest that highlighted and educated customers about ENERGY STAR certified products.
- Maintained the ENERGY STAR certified product line in 2020 despite a product shortage due to the pandemic.
- Collaborated with LG and Samsung to create flyers that promoted ENERGY STAR certified appliances.
This is Corbeil Appliances’ third ENERGY STAR Canada award: Regional Retailer of the Year (2016 and 2021); Recruit of the Year (2005).
Utility Program of the Year—2021
Promotional Campaign of the Year—2021
takeCHARGE (Newfoundland Power and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro)
A joint initiative between Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Newfoundland Power, takeCHARGE combines the expertise and customer reach of Newfoundland and Labrador’s two electricity utilities. With more than 60,000 program participants, the takeCHARGE partnership works to bring energy efficiency awareness and rebate programs to everyone in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Key 2020 accomplishments include:
- Offered at-the-cash rebates on a variety of ENERGY STAR certified products at 64 retail locations.
- Provided over $537,000 in incentives on approximately 240,000 ENERGY STAR certified products.
- Continued to make ENERGY STAR certified light bulbs more accessible through the Make the Switch LED giveaway and donated over 21,000 ENERGY STAR certified LED bulbs to 16 non-profit organizations and charities across Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Partnered with Colemans Grocery stores across the province to celebrate National Seniors Day, and provided free ENERGY STAR certified LED light bulbs and educational materials to seniors during designated shopping hours. This innovative approach helped customers in a safe way during the pandemic.
- Launched new website resources for electric vehicles and highlighted 20 ENERGY STAR certified electric vehicle chargers.
- Presented 18 in-class and 3 virtual school presentations to 534 kids in grades K-6 about energy efficiency and ENERGY STAR certified products.
This is takeCHARGE’s third and fourth ENERGY STAR Canada award: Utility Program of the Year (2020 and 2021); Promotional Campaign of the Year (2020 and 2021).
Energy Efficiency Program Administrator of the Year—2021
efficiencyPEI
The Government of Prince Edward Island founded efficiencyPEI in 2008 in an effort to increase energy efficiency across the province. The organization is committed to providing Islanders with advice and programs that will promote sustainable energy use and reinforce the importance of sound energy management for the economic, social and environmental well-being of Island residents and businesses.
Key 2020 accomplishments include:
- Provided over 4000 rebates on ENERGY STAR certified heating products as part of the Energy Efficient Equipment Program.
- Provided 634 ENERGY STAR certified products to low income islanders as part of the Winter Warming Program. This was an increase of 23% over 2019 despite the program being put on hold for two months during the pandemic.
- Completed an instant savings campaign, which provided in-store rebates on ENERGY STAR certified products. Over 73,000 units were rebated, resulting in 2.77 gigawatt hours of energy savings.
- Continued partnership with Abegweit First Nation to provide free energy audits, which resulted in ENERGY STAR certified equipment upgrades to approximately 100 homes.
This is efficiencyPEI’s fourth ENERGY STAR Canada award: Energy Efficiency Program Administrator of the Year (2019 and 2021); Advocate of the Year (2018 and 2020).
Advocate of the Year—2021
Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care
The Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care (CCGHC) traces its roots back to 2000 when 27 representatives from some of Canada’s largest health care associations and environmental groups met to discuss increased environmental education within the sector in so doing established the framework for what would become Canada’s green health care landscape. Since then, the Coalition, its members and supporters have had a significant impact upon the greening of the Canadian health care landscape and have been involved in a very wide variety of local, provincial and national initiatives aimed at making Canada’s health sector more environmentally sustainable and climate resilient.
Key 2020 accomplishments include:
- Integrated ENERGY STAR certified products/services in a new 14-module Online Energy Lite training course on Canada's leading energy practices.
- Prominently featured ENERGY STAR content and logo in multiple issues of the Coalition’s bi-weekly Green Digest.
- Promoted ENERGY STAR Day and certified products features as well as services (such as Portfolio Manager, RETScreen Expert Energy Management software) on their social media platforms reaching over 2,000 followers.
- Included ENERGY STAR recommendations in all building energy assessments conducted for Canadian health care facilities by HealthCare Energy Leaders Canada (HELC), HealthCare Energy Leaders Ontario (HELO) and HELO North team.
This is the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care’s fourth ENERGY STAR Canada award: Advocate of the Year (2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021).
Promoter of the Year—ENERGY STAR Most Efficient—2021
Stirling Marathon
Stirling Marathon is a manufacturer of specialty home appliances in North America, including a full line of chest and upright freezers, compact and mid-sized refrigerators, electric ranges and built-in wine and beverage coolers, all under the Marathon and Epic brands. A Canadian family-owned organization with a passion to develop, design and manufacture appliances with energy efficiency at the forefront. Originally from Guelph, Ontario, this company’s growth has recently reached new heights as they have built a new headquarters and relocated to Elora, Ontario to foster future expansion.
Key 2020 accomplishments include:
- Increased the number of ENERGY STAR Most Efficient products by 50% in 2020 compared to 2019.
- ENERGY STAR Most Efficient products had the highest demand across their entire lineup of products.
- Educated dealers using various tools including infographics to outline the many desirable features of ENERGY STAR certified and 2020 ENERGY STAR Most Efficient products.
This is Stirling Marathon’s second ENERGY STAR Canada award: Recruit of the Year (2020); Promoter of the Year—ENERGY STAR Most Efficient (2021).
Recruit of the Year—2021
National Energy Equipment Inc.
National Energy Equipment Inc. (NEE) is a distributor of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) products for contractors and residential and light commercial applications, with branches across Canada. NEE is main partner is Trane Technologies. In 2020, NEE continued its exceptional promotion of ENERGY STAR certified air source heat pumps in the Quebec region.
Key 2020 accomplishments include:
- Increased number of ENERGY STAR certified Trane models sold in Quebec by more than 25 percent in 2020 versus 2019.
- Facilitated access for government financial incentives for ENERGY STAR certified products in Quebec by providing information such as AHRI certificate numbers and their eligible amounts in all marketing materials for Trane dealers.
- Facilitated the ENERGY STAR certification for a minimum of five heat pump indoor/outdoor combinations in response to market demand.
This is National Energy Equipment Inc.’s first ENERGY STAR Canada award.
Special Recognition—2021
Arctic Energy Alliance
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The Arctic Energy Alliance (AEA) was formed to consolidate the activities of a number of organizations with an interest in energy related maters. ENERGY STAR Canada recognizes the AEA for its significant contributions in helping communities, consumers, producers, regulators and policymakers work together to reduce costs and environmental impacts of energy and utility services in the Northwest Territories.
Key 2020 accomplishments include:
- Distributed 1,572 rebates for ENERGY STAR certified products worth more than $330,000 in a population of roughly 40,000 people. This was up from 777 ENERGY STAR related rebates in 2019.
- Continued a partnership with the North West Company to offer point-of-sale rebates on ENERGY STAR certified refrigerators, washers and freezers, which accounted for 21% of the AEA’s total ENERGY STAR related rebates – an increase from 18% in 2019.
- Visited 25 out of 33 communities in the Northwest Territories and promoted ENERGY STAR certified products to the residents. Many of these communities are only accessible by air or temporary winter road.
- Promoted ENERGY STAR certified appliances, lighting, HVAC and windows to 98 homeowners while conducting EnerGuide home energy evaluations.
This is the Arctic Energy Alliance’s second ENERGY STAR Canada award: Energy Efficiency Program Administrator of the Year (2020); Special Recognition (2021).
Special Recognition—2021
Lowe’s Canada
ENERGY STAR Canada recognizes Lowe’s Canada for excellence in energy efficiency and sustainability. As a leading home improvement retailer in the country operating or servicing some 470 stores under different banners, Lowe’s Canada acknowledges having a role to play in improving the environmental performance of the construction and home improvement industries in Canada. The company offers a wide range of ECO products characterized by a smaller environmental footprint, including hundreds of ENERGY STAR certified products, in all of its Lowe's, RONA, and Reno-Depot corporate and participating dealer stores.
Key 2020 accomplishments include:
- Increased the number of identified ENERGY STAR certified products by 24% compared to 2019.
- Sold more than 2.8 million ENERGY STAR certified products.
- Participated in energy savings rebate programs in Ontario and British Columbia and provided instant rebates on ENERGY STAR certified products. This raised awareness of the ENERGY STAR brand and resulted in the sale of thousands of ENERGY STAR certified products.
- Promoted ENERGY STAR certified products in stores, in flyers, online, and through social media posts to encourage consumers to reduce their energy consumption.
This is Lowe’s Canada’s second ENERGY STAR Canada Award: Special Recognition (2020 and 2021).
ENERGY STAR Awards for New Homes
Builder of the Year—Small size—2021
WrightHaven Homes Ltd.
From humble beginnings in 1990, WrightHaven Homes has prided itself in being at the forefront in energy efficient housing and incorporating leading edge technology in their homes. In 1992, WrightHaven constructed their first R2000 home which began their journey in building high performance homes. This has led them to build R2000, "the perfect R2000 all steel home", ENERGY STAR and EnerGuide homes, and most recently Net Zero Energy Ready and Net Zero labelled homes. Having a strong reputation for quality, integrity and trust, WrightHaven is proud to have won the Tarion Home Builder of the Year Award, Medium Volume Building category, in Ontario twice and being consecutive runner up 5 times since 2011, as voted on by every new home buyer in Ontario. It is a WrightHaven Homes mission to ensure their customers have high quality, comfortable, energy efficient homes.
Noteworthy activities and accomplishments in 2020:
- All homes labelled either Net Zero, Net Zero Ready, or ENERGY STAR.
- Constant improvement of registering more ENERGY STAR or Net Zero Homes every year since 2005.
- Entire Granwood Gate Subdivision built to Net Zero Ready label with many being optional full Net Zero completions.
- Continuance of their 2011 "Stewardship of the Land program" whereby construction waste reduction system employed for separation of cardboard, steel, wood products and drywall recycling program.
This is WrightHaven Homes Ltd.’s first ENERGY STAR Canada award.
Builder of the Year—Mid-size—2021
Doug Tarry Limited
Founded in 1954 by Doug Tarry Sr., Doug Tarry Limited is a family business in St. Thomas, Ontario and the surrounding areas, with a focus on quality building and environmentally friendly practices. Doug Tarry Limited strives to be a leader in energy efficient homes that meet or exceed the standard of the Ontario Building Code, ENERGY STAR, and Net Zero certification programs.
Noteworthy activities and accomplishments in 2020:
- Built over 125 homes – all ENERGY STAR and Net Zero Ready labeled.
- Ongoing research & development with manufacturers and education institutions including Western University & Ryerson University.
- Started to use Aerobarrier on all semi-detached homes as a standard building practice.
- Offered Graphenstone paint as a healthier option for indoor air quality.
- Standardized a climate resiliency construction detail to be included in all homes.
- Knowledge sharing in the industry through a four-part webinar series on high performance homes.
- Actively involved in code and advisory committees.
This is Doug Tarry Limited’s third ENERGY STAR Canada award: Builder of the Year— Mid-size (2019, 2020, and 2021).
2020 Winners’ profiles — ENERGY STAR Awards
2019 Winners’ profiles — ENERGY STAR Awards
Previous winners 2017 to 2003 — ENERGY STAR Awards
The ENERGY STAR name and symbol are trademarks registered in Canada by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and are administered and promoted by Natural Resources Canada.
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