The Home Depot's customers are already energy savvy, adopting energy efficient lighting at a rapid rate

OTTAWA (April 25) - Today, the Government of Canada declared a country-wide ban on the sale of inefficient light bulbs by 2012. Due to an increasingly rapid adoption rate of compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) by The Home Depot(R) Canada's customers, the company announced it expects that demand will cause the retailer to phase out inefficient bulbs by 2011."Our customers have told us through their purchasing habits that they are making the switch to energy efficient lighting at an amazing pace," said Harry Taylor, senior vice president of operations, The Home Depot Canada.

"With today's news of a national ban by the federal government, and our continued effort to educate and inspire Canadians to purchase CFLs, we are confident that our customers will already be saving money and the environment well ahead of 2012."

The Home Depot, the largest retailer of light bulbs in the country, announced that sales of CFLs have grown more than 350 percent from 2004 to 2006, in large part because of a continuous and aggressive campaign to educate and provide incentives to use CFLs.

In fact, the retailer is on track to sell seven million CFLs in 2007, which will provide Canadians approximately $315 million in energy savings and save 755,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases over the life of the bulbs.

"Canada's retailers are key partners in our efforts to help Canadians use less and live better, and The Home Depot is one of the leaders," said the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources. "It's great to have Home Depot's support for these new standards, which will help reduce the average household's electricity bill by $50 a year."

The lighting aisles at The Home Depot stores across the country have begun a transformation of their own, with plans to complete all 155 stores in coming months.

The changes include: space allocated for CFLs has been doubled and moved to the front of the aisle; new educational signage surrounds the CFLs to inform customers about the proper application and use of the bulbs; signage surrounding the incandescent bulbs also educates customers of the appropriate energy saving alternative.

"When it comes to an issue like the environment, sometimes actions speak louder than words," said Minister Baird. "We're pleased that The Home Depot Canada supports a national phase out of inefficient lighting, but more importantly its customers are also in support of this initiative and have already been taking action to build a more sustainable future."

"Transitioning to energy efficient lighting in the home is perhaps the single easiest way for Canadians to do their part for the environment," said Michael Gentile, vice president and general manager, Philips Lighting. "And this relatively small effort will allow them to realize significant electricity cost-savings while maintaining the highest quality of light in their home as well as access to a wide variety of lighting choices."

Recognizing Canadians need a convenient and simple way to recycle CFLs properly, The Home Depot Canada in partnership with Phillips Lighting announced today it will test an in-store CFL recycling program this summer, with the expectation of making the program available nationally by 2008.

The Home Depot Canada practices energy efficiency in its own operations as well.

The Company has retrofitted every store in the country with the most energy-efficient fluorescent ceiling lights and LED entrance and exit signs.

Further, the company has an automated energy shedding program that regulates its lighting based on the temperature outside.

The program automatically reduces overhead lighting by 50 percent and shuts down the light display when the temperature reaches 30 degrees celsius, which in turn causes the air conditioning in the stores to work more efficiently.

The Home Depot Canada's commitment to offer better products to its customers was clearly demonstrated in 2004, when it launched Eco Options(SM).

Eco Options is The Home Depot brand designed to give customers environmentally friendly product options for their home and home improvement needs.

Using products that improve energy and water efficiency, air quality, and reduce toxicity helps them enjoy a healthier lifestyle and save money.

Last week, the company expanded its long-term commitment to the environment and sustainability by launching its Eco Options program in the United States with great success.