Environment Minister Terry Lake reminds British Columbians that Thursday, Feb. 7 is National Sweater Day, and they can save money and reduce their carbon footprint at home and at work simply by slipping on a warm sweater and turning down the heat.

"National Sweater Day fits right in with B.C.'s Families First Agenda," said Lake. "Family members can participate together at home - they'll save money and reduce their impact on the environment. And if they make every day of the year a Sweater Day, the benefits to the family budget and the environment will be even bigger."

The Ministry of Environment is doing its part by lowering the temperature at its Victoria headquarters offices by two degrees Celsius on Feb. 7. In addition, ministry headquarters staff are being asked to do their part by putting on and being photographed in their ugliest but cosiest sweaters as part of a contest. The prize will be lunch with Lake, and an invitation to Question Period, where the winner will be acknowledged by the House.

National Sweater Day is a World Wildlife Fund Canada initiative, which asks Canadians to put on their favourite sweater to take action against climate change and work toward a sustainable future.

Quick Facts:

• According to the B.C. government's 2012 greenhouse gas targets report, Making Progress on B.C.'s Climate Action Plan, buildings account for over one-tenth of the provincial inventory of greenhouse gases.

• British Columbians can save money, reduce building energy and lower their carbon footprints by taking advantage of LiveSmart BC energy incentive rebate programs (e.g., Home Efficiency Incentive Program, Business Energy Advisors, LiveSmart BC top-ups on utility rebates, etc.). The deadline for most of these programs is March 31, 2013.

• According to WWF-Canada, last year, more than 1.5 million Canadians and 300 organizations took part in National Sweater Day.

• According to WWF-Canada, it is estimated across Canada that a two-degree-Celsius drop on building thermostats could reduce national greenhouse gas emissions by four megatons, which is equal to annual emissions from about 300,000 vehicles.

Learn More:

To view a photo of Environment Minister Terry Lake in his sweater, visit: www.env.gov.bc.ca/main/images/minister/mtl-sweater.jpg

LiveSmart BC energy incentive rebate programs: www.livesmartbc.ca/incentives/efficiency-home/index.html

World Wildlife Fund Canada National Sweater Day website: www.sweaterday.ca

Contact:

David Karn
Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834