[news 2007 - 2008]

North American homes, businesses are all fired up about Queen’s-generated solar technology

For immediate release

Feb. 29, 2008

KINGSTON, ON – From Canada’s most energy-efficient housing development to the largest solar thermal installation in Illinois, solar hot water heating technology developed at Queen’s University is firing up new home construction and commercial conversions across North America.

The patented solar thermal system will provide more than 50 per cent of the hot water needs of the EcoLogic subdivision in Newmarket, Ontario. The 34-home development aims to become Canada’s first residential development where every home achieves Platinum certification, the highest level under the U.S. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program.

Canada’s first platinum-certified LEED home in Guelph, Ontario, was constructed last year using the solar-thermal system, which also powers 52 homes in Drake Landing, North America’s largest solar-heated subdivision, in Okotoks, Alberta.

“This Queen’s-developed technology continues to set the standard for “green” water heating as builders, business owners and consumers recognize the benefits of relying on clean, free solar energy,” says Ken Arnold, CEO of EnerWorks Inc., the London, Ontario-based manufacturer and distributor of the solar thermal system.

Recent commercial adopters of the system include the William Fremd High School in Palantine, Illinois; the Jardin Lebourgneuf, a 300-resident retirement home in Quebec City; Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children; Phoenix Place, a 136-unit affordable apartment building in west Toronto; and Confederation Inn, a 42-room hotel in Saskatoon, Sask.

Locally, Canadian Forces Base Kingston’s military athletic centre uses the system to meet the water-heating needs of its 575-square-meter swimming pool and locker room showers. The system is also in use in homes, hotels and apartment complexes across the Kingston-Quinte region.

Growing commercial demand for the energy-saving technology has fuelled the expansion of EnerWorks , which recently announced the launch of a commercial-industrial division of its manufacturing and installation operations.

The EnerWorks system was recently awarded a Uniform Solar Energy Code listing by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), the global body that develops uniform health, safety and environmental codes for the plumbing and mechanical trades. Late last year the Toronto Construction Association and Construct Canada awarded EnerWorks the Temple W. Harris Innovative Product and Technology Award (TIPTA) for its modular, easily integrated system.

In November 2006 EnerWorks became the first manufacturer in the solar thermal industry in North America to receive the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) stamp of approval for its products. The system also received the U.S. Solar Rating and Certification Corporation’s SRCC OG-100 certification, having achieved the highest per-unit area energy rating compared to all other certified technologies.

“These achievements underscore the magnitude of the need and demand for solar thermal products, and EnerWorks is leading the way in this field,” says John Molloy, President and CEO of PARTEQ Innovations, the technology transfer office of Queen’s University.

The solar heating system was developed jointly by Dr. Stephen Harrison, a specialist in solar technologies in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Queen’s University, and EnerWorks. The patented technology is licensed to EnerWorks by PARTEQ.

Contact:
John Molloy, President & CEO
PARTEQ Innovations
P: 613. 533. 2342
F: 613. 533. 6853
E: jmolloy@parteqinnovations.com

Ken Arnold, CEO
EnerWorks, Inc.
P: 519. 268. 6500
F: 519.268.6292
E: karnold@enerworks.com
www.enerworks.com

About EnerWorks Inc.:
EnerWorks is North America’s leading provider of solar thermal water heating systems for residential and commercial applications. The EnerWorks technology and design philosophy focuses on outstanding performance, manufacturability, ease of installation and reliability.
www.enerworks.com

About PARTEQ Innovations:
PARTEQ Innovations is the not-for-profit technology transfer arm of Queen’s University. PARTEQ works with Queen’s researchers and the business and venture capital communities to bring early stage technologies to market. Since 1987 PARTEQ has been instrumental in the establishment of nearly 40 companies developing a variety of products, from potential drugs for Alzheimer’s, cancer and heart disease to automated bacteria detection for water systems, solar-powered appliances, and advanced materials used in the plastics, automotive, aerospace and household appliance industries.
www.parteqinnovations.com