GE's advanced membrane technology lets green building reuse over 3.5 million litres of water annually
OAKVILLE, ON (October 3, 2006) -- Recognizing Earth Rangers' leading example of how advanced wastewater treatment technology can reduce demand on potable water supplies and preserve environmental health, Lorraine Bolsinger, GE's Vice President of ecomagination, joined GE Water & Process Technologies to present the facility with a 2006 global ecomagination Leadership Award. Fewer than one per cent of GE's clients qualify to receive the ecomagination award, and Earth Rangers is only the second in Canada to receive the award from GE Water & Process Technologies this year.
Robert Schad, Founder of Earth Rangers, and members of his staff accepted the award during an exclusive ceremony at the LEED-gold certified Earth Rangers Center. Mr. Schad, also the founder and majority shareholder of Husky Injection Molding Systems, established Earth Rangers in 1999 to offer educational programs that inspire children to strive for a better future and a healthier environment. In addition to water recycling, the Earth Rangers Center is a showcase of sustainable technologies such as geothermal heating and cooling, energy-efficient lighting, and solar power that make it one of the most energy-efficient buildings in Canada.
"It is wonderful to be recognized by GE ecomagination for our efforts to be on the leading edge of sustainable technologies" said Schad. "We are determined to use practical solutions to environmental problems. The Earth Rangers facility is a testament to that. This Center provides a model that we hope will inspire other organizations to act responsibly."
"It is with great pleasure that GE presents the Ecomagination Leadership Award to Mr. Schad and Earth Rangers," said Bolsinger. "In addition to their admirable work in children's outreach, they are committed to showcasing environmental technologies. Along with their exciting work in energy efficiency and conservation efforts, GE is pleased to play a part in their efficient use of water resources. The award goes to Earth Rangers, but the honor of our association is all ours."
Steve Watzeck, President of ZENON Membrane Solutions, co-presented the award with Ms. Bolsinger. He also spoke of how GE's ecomagination product offerings for water and wastewater treatment are making a difference in public health protection and environmental preservation throughout the world. Ecomagination is GE's commitment to imagine and build innovative technologies that help customers address their environmental and financial needs. It is both a business strategy to drive growth at GE and a promise to contribute positively to the environment in the process.
Press Release/GE Water & Process Technologies
The Earth Rangers Center is one example of how GE's ecomagination technologies are having a positive impact on the environment. The onsite, advanced membrane bioreactor system enables the Center to collect grey and black water from sinks and toilets, treat up to 9,850 liters daily to near-drinking-water quality, and reuse the treated effluent as flush water and for irrigating the buildings green roof and landscape features.
Many of Ontario's top visionary land developers were in attendance to learn more about the achievements at Earth Rangers and how this technology can be applied on a larger scale for onsite treatment systems at unserviced residential developments or commercial green buildings.
The gathering also heard an overview of GE's entire offering of ecomagination technologies for residential and commercial use, which bring together the best of GE's clean technologies including advanced water and wastewater treatment, energy-efficient lighting and appliances, and renewable power systems. The solutions are designed to help developers and builders offer greater value to customers with high-performance homes, buildings and communities, while benefiting the environment and improving a developer's competitive position.
For more information contact Tony Kobilnyk, ZENON Membrane Solutions, 905.465.3030 Ext. 3381 or Scott Beffort, (905) 417-3447 x2225.
About GE Water & Process Technologies
GE Water & Process Technologies, a unit of General Electric Company, is solving some of the world's most pressing water challenges by providing industrial, agricultural and potable water, while lessening our dependence on fresh water sources. Technologies to accomplish this include desalination, advanced membrane, separation solutions, and water reuse and wastewater management and process technologies. GE delivers value to customers by improving performance and product quality, reducing operating costs and extending equipment life. For more information on GE Water & Process Technologies, visit www.gewater.com
About Earth Rangers
Earth Rangers is a partnership-driven environmental charity, established in 1999, with the mission of inspiring children with a lasting passion to build a better future. In October 2004, the Earth Rangers Center officially opened to the public.
The Earth Rangers Center is a landmark in Vaughan and is positioned to become a premier sustainability destination attracting a global exchange of ideas. By showcasing novel environmental technologies, the Center has set the standard for new green building projects in Vaughan. Earth Rangers' Assembly and Action Programs have proven popular in reaching out to children, parents and teachers, and in leading to the successful implementation of several community-enrichment projects. Their camps have been instrumental in providing a vital link between outdoor experiences and footprint leadership. Earth Rangers is committed to raising the standard of sustainable living and capturing the imagination of both adults and children in order to influence change. For more information about Earth Rangers visit www.earthrangers.com