Sign the Calgary Declaration

Canadian geothermal heat pump industry stakeholders – industry specialists, governments, utilities, technical schools, colleges, universities, manufacturers, distributors and developers – have engaged in a major market transformation initiative aimed at creating and deploying more sophisticated knowledge. This initiative offers the industry services it needs for sustainable long-term growth.

 

 

Declaration of Principles - The Calgary Declaration

 

PREAMBLE

Canadian geothermal heat pump industry stakeholders – industry specialists, governments, utilities, technical schools, colleges, universities, manufacturers, distributors and developers – have engaged in a major market transformation initiative aimed at creating and deploying more sophisticated knowledge. This initiative offers the industry services it needs for sustainable long-term growth.

As part of this market transformation initiative, Canada’s industry association, the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition (CGC), in cooperation with industry stakeholders, has developed and implemented the Global Quality GeoExchange™ Program®.

The CGC’s program responds to requests from consumers, governments, manufacturers, and ethical industry members of all types, over multiple years, to have a made-in-Canada, reliable method to help ensure that:

• systems deliver the environment and energy benefits promised;
• systems are safe, and safely installed;
• designers and contractors are reliable, competent professionals, conduct their business affairs honourably, and implement best practises wherever and whenever possible, and
• systems and the design / installation team comply fully with all relevant laws and regulations.

The CGC Global Quality GeoExchange™ Program® aims to grow the industry in a professional and sustainable manner. The program brings value to industry participants who benefit from increased market opportunities resulting from increased consumer confidence and program reference in procurement policies of utilities, government agencies and financial institutions among others.

PURPOSE

This Declaration of Principles is established by the CGC to set guidelines governing cooperation among industry stakeholders in Canada. We the undersigned seek and support consistent delivery of quality geothermal heat pump systems and long-term market transformation in line with the CGC Global Quality GeoExchange™ Program’s® mechanisms.

COMMON VISION

We the undersigned recognize that building an inclusive geothermal heat pump industry in Canada requires solidarity, partnership and cooperation among manufacturers, distributors, installers, designers, utilities, governments and other Canadian stakeholders.

Realizing that the ambitious goal of this Declaration – building a unified and stronger geothermal heat pump industry in Canada – will require strong commitment by all stakeholders, we call for solidarity, both at provincial and national levels.

 

KEY PRINCIPLES

1. Building a unified and strong Canadian geothermal heat pump industry is a joint effort which requires cooperation and partnership among all stakeholders.
2. Strengthening the Canadian geothermal heat pump industry in the long run is the responsibility of all stakeholders and will be achieved by building industry capacity and individual capabilities by and for Canadians.
3. Canadian geothermal heat pump industry stakeholders desire to work with one national made-in-Canada geothermal heat pump quality framework. For the Canadian geothermal heat pump industry to continue grow rapidly, consistent high quality of training – achieved through partnerships with Canadian technical schools, colleges and universities – and system design & installation is fundamental. Continued support and participation in the CGC Global Quality GeoExchange Program® is therefore a top industry priority.
4. The future expansion of the geothermal heat pump industry in Canada depends, to a large extent, on the public recognition of the profession and the professional development of geothermal heat pump industry specialists. The most efficient and sustainable way of achieving this goal is to gradually transfer industry developed training to Canadian professional schools, colleges and universities.
5. All levels of government – municipal, provincial and federal – have a key role to play in the sustainable development of the geothermal heat pump industry by elaborating and deploying sound policies, legislation and regulations.
6. A well-developed information and communication network coordinated by a credible national organisation and adapted to regional, national and local conditions is essential and must be encouraged.
7. Access to information and knowledge can be promoted by increasing awareness among all stakeholders. The ability for all to access and contribute information, ideas and knowledge is essential in an inclusive industry.
8. Standardization is one of the essential building blocks of the geothermal heat pump industry. Industry stakeholders have the responsibility to develop, maintain, implement and abide by best practices and the highest ethical and professional standards.
9. The ultimate challenge is to harness the potential of geothermal heat pump technology and strengthen its role in resource conservation. The increased use of these clean, reliable and efficient energy systems in buildings and industrial processes will enhance the social and long-term economic benefit of the technology. As such, geothermal heat pump technology uniquely plays a growing role in renewable energy, energy conservation, and energy efficiency discussions.

We the undersigned declare our common desire and commitment to build an inclusive, unified and strong geothermal heat pump industry in Canada based on one national quality framework developed by and for Canadians.

The principles of this Declaration shall be applied with due regard for all matters pertaining to increasing the role of the geothermal heat pump industry in Canada’s energy system.

Calgary, December 9, 2007

 

 

 

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