Maryhill Welcomes Sustainable Living Centre

MARYHILL, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - July 5, 2010) -

Jim Bolger of EarthFX Energy and John Bosman of Bostech Mechanical know a few things about taking advantage of the renewable energy available to us from the earth and atmosphere, while at the same time being careful with its use. They are about to open The Sustainable Living Centre showcases renewal energy products and services under one roof, a unique concept that simplifies life for the green consumer.

The Centre offers one-stop-shopping for everything from high efficiency lighting products, air quality systems, solar options, energy conservation planning, and geothermal products.

Bosman is well known as one of the largest Canadian installers of geothermal products and has been in the industry for almost 20 years from his Listowel office. Bolger's business was based in Waterloo for eight years and the two men met through their common distributor, Next Energy in Elmira. Rather than remain friendly competitors, Bosman and Bolger discovered their common interest in growing their businesses to include other renewable energy products.

"The timing was perfect, said Bolger. "I've had the vision in my head for four or five years, of a one-stop shop for sustainable living options," he said. "The vision finally came to life less than a year ago when John Bosman approached me and saw the passion and direction I wished to take green technology. We then became partners and started to create the vision I'd had in my head for so long."

An abandoned commercial plaza on Charles Street in Maryhill was soon purchased and extensively renovated to become the new home of The Sustainable Living Centre. In the meantime two investors joined the business, Arnold Bosman of Listowel and Paul Bolger of Conestogo, brothers of the original partners. Also offering support and joining the Centre while still in its infancy was NextEnergy of Elmira. When complete, the 7,000 square foot sustainable living centre will showcase geothermal heating and cooling systems that have been provided by NextEnergy.

The geothermal system installed at The Sustainable Living Centre will supply in-floor heating, forced air heating & cooling and domestic water heating to 110 deg F. Unlike a home installation, which it would be hidden away in the basement, the geothermal unit will be on display so people can see it working.

The Centre will have watt meters installed, so customers can see exactly what it costs to heat and cool, to light the building, and to track how much hydro is being produced through a 10kw Solar PV system on the roof. Bosman said they also plan to create a web-based platform in which potential customers can log online and monitor the centre's energy consumption and/or production.

The project really took shape with the addition of the energy auditing company, I.B. Storey. Owner Ian Storey is from Prince Edward Island, but he was introduced to this province when hired by the Ontario Association of Municipalities to oversee a pilot project called Program Audit ++. Since then he has expanded his presence here in the commercial, institutional, industrial, as well as municipal energy audits. By joining the Maryhill Centre, Storey says his storefront will provide a base for training sessions and auditing services in both the public and private sector.

Waterloo Energy Products Inc. will offer high efficiency lighting products, including LED and fluorescent fixtures for both the home and office, as well as solar, PV, solar thermal and power monitoring equipment.

When asked his hopes for the project Jim Bolger does not hesitate. "We really want to give people a comprehensive look at integrating geothermal technology with other energy conservation methods." John Bosman added, "The idea is that customers will leave much more informed than when they arrived at our door. The can feel confident in making the right choice for green home comfort."

"One of the best proving points to give a customer is to be able to point just down the hall to another business and have it tie back into what we provide, making the idea that much more impactful." said Bolger.

"It's a big investment for us, but we're very positive about it," Bosman said.

The Sustainable Living Centre is hosting its grand opening September 18th between 11am and 3 p.m. at 29 St. Charles Street East in Maryhill, Ontario. There will be experts on hand from green technologies and tours of the Centre. "It's a chance for us to introduce ourselves to the community while showcasing what services we can provide to home or business owners," said Bosman. The day will include a barbecue lunch and entertainment for the children.