Today, Change Agent - Patrick Wagner, attended the launch of Mondial Energy's install of Ontario's largest, most powerful solar thermal heating system at one of WoodGreen's affordable housing sites on Toronto's Queen St. East. The installation is a partnership between WoodGreen Community Services and Mondial Energy, which builds and owns solar sites on commercial, residential and municipal buildings.

"By providing the capital for the installation, Mondial breaks the up-front cost barrier and by assuming the ongoing maintenance responsibility, we also break the technology risk barrier," said Alex Winch, President, Mondial Energy. "For 100 per cent clean energy, this is both an attractive and an affordable alternative, especially for non-profit organizations that are committed to the environment."

It was exciting to go to the top floor and see first hand the 108 glazed flat plate solar collectors that will generate 34 per cent of the total annual hot water required for the 170-unit building. You could see the excitement in the tenants at the lobby of the WoodGreen building. Mondial Energy also anticipates that this project will encourage tenants and the surrounding community to become more green. Having the thermal solar heating on this building will inform tenants and the community at large of the savings to be had when you go green (ie. saving on electrical, water and other waste). This initiative has many positive effects that are becoming very clear as this 10-year project green's another part of Toronto.

The custom-designed solar thermal energy system will be paid for, owned and operated by Mondial Energy. For more pictures checkout the Photo Diary of the entire project.

"Like many other organizations looking for ways to go green and reduce their impact on the environment, we felt it was important to lead the way in our sector," said Brian Smith, President and CEO, WoodGreen Community Services. "With no upfront capital cost for changing to solar, this installation allows us to use our limited capital resources for other critical services for our clients."

** Check out this web site provided by Mondial to allow visitor's to see the Live energy Monitoring device at this location. Amazing Green & Web working so well to inform everyone from Queen St. Toronto to the World.

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