Loblaw Companies pilots solar energy projects in Ontario

Innovative installations part of overall effort to support renewable energy sources

BRAMPTON, ON, March 10 /CNW/ - As part of its ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility and reducing the environmental impact of its operations, Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) today announced that it will install innovative solar technology on the rooftops of four stores in Ontario as pilot projects. Select Loblaw stores in Ajax, Orleans, Toronto and Whitby, will install photovoltaic panels to leverage solar energy and provide green power to local communities and the province of Ontario.

"This initiative is part of Loblaw's overall effort, through the use of renewable energy sources to reduce our carbon footprint," said Bob Chant, vice president, corporate affairs, Loblaw Companies Limited. "We believe green energy production using innovative technologies such as these pilot projects, supports our commitment to the environment."

The Honourable Brad Duguid, Ontario Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, today announced that the Ontario Power Authority had approved more than 100 Loblaw applications for rooftop solar installations on their stores through the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program of the Green Energy Act. Based on the success of the initial four pilot projects, Loblaw will then evaluate the next phase of roll outs.

"These projects will create a new source of income for businesses while providing new clean and green electricity in Ontario -- particularly on hot, sunny summer days when demand soars," said Brad Duguid, Ontario Minister of Energy and Infrastructure. "With our new domestic content rules, these projects will also help create new green collar jobs here in Ontario as well as major economic investments in equipment and services here at home."

Loblaw plans on working with Northland Power Income Fund to install photovoltaic panels on the roofs of the four pilot stores to generate clean, renewable power.

"We believe that solar energy, especially rooftop solar energy, will play a major role in Ontario's green energy future while dramatically reducing greenhouse gas emissions," said Jim Temerty, Chairman of Northland Power Income Fund.

Loblaw's renewable energy commitment is driven by one of its five corporate social responsibility pillars, respect the environment. Some of the other related projects include sustainable construction through LEED(R) design standards and waste reduction programs such as efforts to divert plastic bags from landfill. Loblaw's other corporate social responsibility pillars include, source with integrity, make a positive difference in our community, reflect our nation's diversity and be a great place to work.

For more information about Loblaw's commitment please visit www.loblaw.ca/csr

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food distributor and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ over 139,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice(R), no name(R) and Joe Fresh Style(R) brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial(R) services and offers the PC(R) points loyalty program.

For further information: Loblaw Public Relations, [email protected], [phone]; Lindsay Mack, Senior Consultant, Hill & Knowlton Canada, [phone]