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VANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY SIGNS GEOEXCHANGE TRAINING AGREEMENT

Montreal, December 9, 2009

The Canadian GeoExchange Coalition (CGC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Vancouver Island University (VIU) to offer CGC-recognized courses as part of their three-year Renewable Energy Technology Part-time Certificate Program and Green Building Certificate Program. VIU is the first university in British Columbia to sign such an agreement, and they join a growing network of Canadian education institutions that are playing a key role in the CGC-led geoexchange market transformation initiative.

VIU is incorporating CGC’s installation and residential design training materials into their programs. The College’s geoexchange courses will be recognized by CGC as fully industry-equivalent training under the industry’s national quality assurance program.

“We are extremely happy to welcome Vancouver Island University into our network of Canadian colleges who are incorporating CGC training material into their programs” said Denis Tanguay, CGC President & CEO. “By working together in tying Canadian colleges and Canadian universities training with the CGC market transformation initiative, the Canadian geoexchange industry is gaining in national cohesion. Every time a new training institution enters in this network, the industry is strengthened. This approach is unique in North America” he added.

“VIU is excited about incorporating these training materials into their newly designed Renewable Energy Certificate programs”, said Tony Bellavia, Acting Dean of Adult and Continuing Education at Vancouver Island University. “We believe strongly in including industry relevant training in our programs, and feel that this partnership with CGC will allow us to provide these opportunities to our students.”

By incorporating geoexchange into a part-time renewable energy technology program, VIU is tapping into a clientele of lifelong learners who is eager make a career for itself in the green energy sector. Once VIU has adopted and incorporated CGC training standards into its curriculum, CGC fully recognizes the students trained as industry-equivalent. Through its partnership with CGC, VIU is playing an increasingly active role in the market transformation process by providing current and future generations of students with the skills needed to succeed in this growing industry.

The Canadian GeoExchange™ Coalition acts as the industry catalyst to unite private and public sector

stakeholders, and to expand the market for geoexchange™ technology in Canada. As the nexus of information, training, certification, industry standards and public awareness, our mandate is to work with stakeholders to build the necessary infrastructure to foster the growth of the Canadian geoexchange™ industry. For more information, visit www.geoexchange.ca

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For CGC inquiries:                                                         Sophie Martin (514) 807-7559, extension 23

For Vancouver Island University inquiries:     Tony Bellavia (250) 740-6161  

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