Ottawa, Canada - November 22, 2002 Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), a CAN$100 million (US$63 million) fund for the demonstration and commercialization of sustainable development technologies, has approved funding for 8 projects totaling CAN$6.61 million (US$4.19 million). These funds are leveraged by an additional CAN$42.4 million (US$26.8 million) from the consortia.

SDTC, which commenced operations in November 2001, is a funding organization mandated to foster the rapid development, demonstration and commercialization of innovative technological solutions, which address climate change and air quality. The foundation is an initiative of the Government of Canada, and operates as an arm's-length, not-for-profit corporation. This is SDTC's first funding announcement.

SDTC has engaged some of Canada's top emissions creators. Entrepreneurs from the emitting sectors are developing effective technologies to address GHG and CAC emissions. There are a wide range of technologies that have been submitted for consideration including: carbon sequestration linked to energy exploration and industrial processes; agricultural waste management; and energy use in the building and transportation sectors. The same sectors that are responsible for creating emissions are developing solutions that will help some of our most vital economic sectors -- energy, forestry, agriculture, transportation, pulp and paper and construction -- operate in a sustainable way. This fact is an important positive element in the ongoing debate on the Kyoto Accord that has been missing.