MONTREAL - Pierre Martin, chair of the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) was presented with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Best-of-the-Best Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award by Drusilla Hufford, director of the EPA’s Stratospheric Protection Division. The award recognizes HRAI’s leadership in the development and implementation of environmental initiatives including the federal/provincial training program that covers environmental awareness for refrigerant handlers; refrigerant management training in 16 developing countries; and the Refrigerant Management Canada extended producer responsibility program.

The award was presented during the 20th anniversary meetings of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

“The 2007 Best-of-the-Best Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award winners have demonstrated sustained commitment to protection of our global environment,” said Bob Meyers, principal deputy assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. “Environmental leading organizations like HRAI demonstrate that global environmental protection can go hand in hand with economic growth.”

“By embracing cooperation over confrontation, EPA and our partners like HRAI are continuing to create a better tomorrow by protecting the Earth’s atmosphere today,” said Stephen Johnson, EPA administrator. “We at EPA join the global community in celebrating the anniversary of the Montreal Protocol - a shining example of how human ingenuity, leadership, and determination can create a healthier, better world.”

For more information, contact Warren Heeley at 800-267-2231 or e-mail warren.heeley@hrai.ca.

Publication date: 11/19/2007