The Government of Saskatchewan is providing Go Green funding for three new projects that address the Fund's priority areas of biodiversity, education and awareness, greenhouse gas emissions reduction and water conservation. Additional projects are currently being negotiated for Go Green funding in 2011-12.
"These three projects are indicative of the innovative and cost-effective technologies that are being developed and tested right here in Saskatchewan," Environment Minister Dustin Duncan said. "Over the past four years, the Government of Saskatchewan has committed $70 million to the Go Green Fund for research and demonstration projects and incentive programs, which achieve real environmental outcomes."
Eat Healthy Foods of Regina will receive $36,000 from the fund for an efficient cold storage project that will use cold outdoor air to operate grocery store refrigerators and freezers and reduce electrical consumption.
"For about six months of the year, Saskatchewan's outdoor temperatures are low enough to keep coolers and freezer units in grocery stores at good, safe temperatures," Eat Healthy Foods President Rick Morrell said. "If proven effective, the technology could be adopted throughout Saskatchewan."
The Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan is developing a series of classroom and field activities and teaching resources focusing on native plants and habitats. The Go Green Fund is contributing $24,000 for this initiative.
"This funding will allow us to develop a program that empowers young people to learn more about the importance of natural habitats and how they can conserve them," Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan Executive Director Chet Neufeld said.
Ground Effects Environmental Services Ltd. (GEE) will receive $49,000 from the fund to pilot their new ElectroPure Technology. The technology is designed to limit the use of fresh water by industry through the treatment and reuse of existing industrial waste water. Evraz, a steel and pipe manufacturer in Regina, is the test partner and expects to save three million litres of water during this project.
"With its ability to be easily integrated into almost any existing industrial operation, the technology has excellent potential for water conservation as industry searches for technologies that reduce their requirements for fresh water," GEE President and CEO Sean Frisky said.
To learn more about the Go Green Fund and what you can do to help Saskatchewan Go Green visit our website at www.environment.gov.sk.ca.