TORONTO, May 5 /CNW/ - Focused more than ever on building
energy-efficient stores and reducing the impact to the environment, Canadian
Tire Retail confirmed today that its stores are now 30 - 35% per cent more
energy-efficient than stores built six years ago(*). The energy-efficient
practices are part of Canadian Tire's overall commitment to the environment
which includes energy conservation, waste diversion and recycling strategies
as well as an assortment of more environmentally-friendly customer product
choices.
    "Canadian Tire is focused on implementing environmentally-friendly
practices beginning with how we build and operate our stores, right through to
the kinds of environmentally-focused products we're offering," says Mike
Arnett, president, Canadian Tire Retail. "Together with our customers, we are
part of the solution for creating a sustainable environment and we incorporate
that commitment into Canadian Tire's business strategy and everyday
practices."
    A wide variety of energy-efficient changes have been integrated into
Canadian Tire's store building plans including environmentally-focused changes
to lighting, heating, cooling and waste management features. Highlights
include:Lighting
    --------
    The following measures can reduce energy consumption by 50%:
        -  installing energy efficient fluorescent lighting throughout the
           store on low voltage lighting controls and incorporating 'daylight
           harvesting'
        -  using motion and occupancy sensors in washrooms, offices and
           warehouse areas
        -  controlling all exterior parking lot and wall lights with photo
           cell "on" time clock "off" technology designed to prevent light
           pollution of the night sky and adjacent properties
        -  using LED's for all illuminated internal and external signs

    Overall Energy Consumption
    --------------------------
        -  increasing wall and roof insulation to prevent heat loss
        -  using tinted glass on select exterior walls to reduce solar heat
           gain, keeping the store naturally cooler in summer and warmer in
           winter
        -  installing programmable thermostats with night setback
        -  using heat recovery ventilators and de-stratification fans - these
           reclaim wasted heat and cooling, thus reducing both energy
           consumption and products of combustion emissions into the
           atmosphere
        -  choosing high efficiency heating and cooling units to reduce
           products of combustion into the atmosphere
        -  switching refrigerants in the HVAC equipment to environmentally
           friendly refrigerants

    Waste Management
    ----------------
        -  recycling of hazardous wastes such as used batteries and oil/air
           filters by all Canadian Tire stores that have auto centres
        -  implementing storm water managementIn addition to making improvements on an operational level in current and
future stores, Canadian Tire is also offering customers many green
alternatives that can be used in and around the home on an ongoing basis.
    "From CFL bulbs, eco-friendly lawn care products to solar panel, reusable
shopping bags and green household cleaners, we want to make smart
environmental products that can be used for everyday living available to our
customers," says Arnett.

    Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited (TSX: CTC, CTC.a) operates more than
1,160 general merchandise and apparel retail stores, gas stations and car
washes in an inter-related network of businesses engaged in retail, financial
services and petroleum. More than 57,000 Canadians work across the Canadian
Tire organization from coast-to-coast. Canadian Tire Retail and its Associate
Dealers together form one of Canada's best-known and most successful retailers
with 473 stores in communities nationwide. Canadian Tire stores offer a unique
mix of products and services through the leadership of three specialty stores
under one roof - Automotive, Sports and Leisure, and Home Products. Canadian
Tire also offers shopping and home delivery through www.canadiantire.ca and by
phone order at 1-866-746-7287.

    (*)Saved 30-35% in overall energy consumption when compared to the Model
    National Energy Code for large retail buildings.