Atlantic Superstore in Porters Lake, Nova Scotia, to gain energy efficiencies through the use of wind technology

BRAMPTON - Continuing to build on its position as one of the leaders in energy management and efficiency, Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) is pleased to announce the installation of a wind turbine at its Atlantic Superstore in Porters Lake, Nova Scotia. Once fully operational, the wind turbine, supplied by Scotian WindFields Inc., will provide approximately 25 per cent of the Superstore's power.

"We are actively working to identify renewable energy opportunities to reduce the emissions associated with electricity consumption at our various locations," said Mark Schembri, Vice President, Store Maintenance, Loblaw Companies Limited. "This project is just another example of Loblaw's commitment to adopting better environmental practices and how we are taking responsibility for the energy consumption that is required to support our retail business."

The Porters Lake Wind Turbine Project is part of a Loblaw pilot program to help reduce carbon emissions and pursue distributed energy projects. Working with Scotian WindFields Inc., Loblaw tested the wind patterns at the Porters Lake Atlantic Superstore for one year to confirm the winds in the area would support a wind turbine. The turbine is expected to generate 250,000 kilowatt hours of energy per year. The Superstore will remain connected to the utility power grid with the wind turbine supplementing the energy needs of the Superstore.

"In Nova Scotia we have a great renewable energy source in our wind," said Barry Zwicker, Chief Executive Officer, Scotian WindFields Inc. "Projects like the Atlantic Superstore in Porters Lake really show the scale of wind technology. Whether projects are big or small, wind generated energy can play a large role in reducing our dependency on non-renewable energy sources."

Loblaw is committed to sourcing innovative solutions in energy management and renewable energy. In 2008, Loblaw opened its environmental flagship Loblaw Superstore in Scarborough, Ontario. The store boasts a number of environmentally friendly approaches to retail, including alternative and innovative refrigeration design techniques. For example, in the winter the entire retail area is heated using reclaimed heat from the refrigeration system. Loblaw also recently announced a partnership with Organic Resource Management Inc (ORMI) that will see food waste from certain Loblaw stores in Ontario converted into renewable energy through a farm based Biogas facility.

"We are pleased to see environmental commitment, like the Porters Lake Wind Turbine Project taking place in the Atlantic region," said Andrew MacIsaac, Executive Vice President, Atlantic Region, Loblaw Companies Limited. "These types of projects will go a long way to ensuring better energy management throughout our business."