Friday, June 14, 2013 – Water is a precious resource – although it covers two-thirds of the planet, only about 2.5% is fresh water that is suitable for drinking. Conserving our water use today will help ensure this resource is available for generations to come. A $40,000 grant from the RBC Blue Water Project will see the existing water cycle system at the Earth Rangers Centre (ERC) further developed to ensure the most efficient use of water for the building and surrounding grounds.
“We are truly proud to be recognized by the RBC Blue Water Project as an organization that is making a difference when it comes to water conservation,” said Peter Kendall, Executive Director, Earth Rangers. “The Earth Rangers Centre is a global leader in building operations and this grant will allow us to further develop our water monitoring systems to ensure 100% efficiency in our water usage.”
“With Vaughan – and Greater Toronto as a whole – growing so quickly, there’s an increasing strain on our water resources,” said Rina Pillitteri, RBC Regional Vice President for Vaughan. “Thanks to Earth Rangers, we’re getting a better understanding of the water cycle and the impact of urban development on consumption and quality.”
The water system at the ERC manages all water needs entirely on-site and sees 1.7 million litres of water recycled annually. “This grant will allow us to install additional meters to complete the water monitoring for the green roofs, white roof, rain water capture and reuse systems, storm water mitigation strategies and waste water treatment plant,” said Andy Schonberger, Director, Earth Rangers Centre. “This information will provide a complete picture of water use and conservation for the ERC, how the technologies interact with each other and their associated ROI.”
About the Earth Rangers Centre: The Earth Rangers Centre (ERC) is an advanced green building, certified Platinum under LEED for Existing Buildings and Gold under New Construction. The ERC was designed to embody Earth Rangers’ values, to show that we practice what we preach, and to serve as inspiration to everyone who walks through our doors.
Located in Woodbridge, Ontario and home to the Earth Rangers staff and Animal Ambassadors, the ERC is a showcase of leading edge sustainable building technology including energy metering, smart automation and controls, innovative water and wastewater management, solar generation, green roofs, and geothermal heating and cooling. The ERC is proof that a building can operate effectively and efficiently, while minimizing the impact on the environment. For more information, visit us at www.ercshowcase.com.
The Earth Rangers Centre is headquarters to Earth Rangers, the kids’ conservation organization, dedicated to educating children and families about biodiversity and inspiring them to become directly involved in protecting animals and their habitats. Through programs including a children’s website, www.earthrangers.com, a permanent studio at the Royal Ontario Museum and a School Outreach Program featuring live Animal Ambassadors, Earth Rangers is able to reach, inspire and enable millions of children each year to take action to help ensure the lasting survival of species in Canada.
About RBC Blue Water Project: The RBC Blue Water Project is an historic, wide-ranging, 10-year global commitment to help protect the world’s most precious natural resource: fresh water. Since 2007, RBC has pledged over $36 million to more than 500 charitable organizations worldwide that protect watersheds and promote access to clean drinking water, with an additional $6 million pledged to universities for water programs. In 2013-2014, the RBC Blue Water Project will focus on supporting initiatives that help protect water in towns, cities and urbanized areas. For further information, visit www.rbc.com/bluewater.
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For more information:
Lori Marier
Media Relations, Earth Rangers
905-417-3447 ext. 2281
lmarier@earthrangers.com
