Fondation 3E launches national green community planning competition

QUEBEC CITY, Oct. 28 /CNW Telbec/ - Fondation 3E (Energy Eco-Efficiency), a new private foundation dedicated to the promotion of energy's conservation and sustainable use, is issuing a challenge to graduate students and faculty in architecture, engineering and urban planning across Canada to change the world we live in - today.

As part of the Fondation 3E Competition, participants will be required to design a small and innovative multi-family housing development, from six to thirty units, capable of yielding immediate energy savings and reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 60%, including, but not limited to, reductions related to the transportation needs of occupants. A cash prize of $25,000 will be awarded to the winning entry and of $10,000 to the runner up.

Eligibility will be restricted to multi-disciplinary teams from single or multiple institutions offering a graduate program in an applicable discipline. The jury will be composed of eminent professionals and academics in the fields of architecture, engineering, urban planning, energy and building construction, as well as social and environmental services.

" Canada aims to reduce its GHG emissions by 60% or more by 2050. Achieving this goal will require a fundamental change in how we produce, deliver and use energy. By fostering the development of innovative and practical ways for consumers to be more eco-efficient, Fondation 3E is contributing meaningfully to this collective endeavour," said the Hon. Michael Harcourt , Chairman of QUEST, which is sponsoring the competition.

"There are some who say that broad system efficiency improvements cannot be effected overnight. But I believe that the current generation of community and energy planning professionals and their university mentors have the passion and ingenuity to drive this kind of sweeping change and to make it happen now," declared Jacques Larivière, President of Demilec, another sponsor.

"Energy consumption's impact on the planet is partly in the hands of those who will be designing and building the living spaces of tomorrow. With this competition, we are offering students experience in developing real-life applications that can help Canadians contribute to the more optimal use of our shared energy resources," concluded Michel Gélinas, President of Fondation 3E.

Fondation 3E is enlisting the input of university representatives on the Fondation 3E Competition, its objectives, deliverables and final selection criteria. Preliminary details on the competition are currently available on its website at www.f3e.ca, where the final requirements will be posted in early 2010 after consultations with universities.

About QUEST

Quality Urban Energy Systems of Tomorrow (QUEST) is a collaborative network of representatives from industry, environmental groups, governments, academia and consulting communities working together to make Canada a world leader in urban integrated energy systems through a community-based approach to energy end-use and the reduction of GHGs.

About Demilec

Demilec has been active in the insulation products industry for more than 20 years. It was the first Canadian manufacturer of spray polyurethane free of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), and the first to introduce soy oils and recycled plastics in insulation products. From its Boisbriand's headquarters, the company operates manufacturing plants and sales offices in Canada and the U.S.

About Fondation 3

EFondation 3E was created in June 2009 to foster energy literacy, the transition to renewable and non-emitting energy sources, and the use of energy saving and efficiency techniques to reduce the impact of energy consumption on the planet.

For further information: Michel Gélinas, President, Fondation 3E, [phone]