Sears Canada launches the Sears Water Appliance Program (SWAP)

SWAP helps homeowners save money and reduce their carbon footprint

TORONTO, Sept. 4 /CNW/ - Sears Canada Inc. (TSX: SCC.TO) today announced the launch of Sears Water Appliance Program (SWAP), the latest environmental initiative actioned by the Company in their efforts to establish sustainable practices in the communities in which they operate. SWAP makes the practice of removing and disposing of inefficient water softener units carbon neutral to provide Canadians with a way to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases in the environment while replacing their equipment with more energy-efficient solutions.

"Sears Water Appliance Program makes sense for Canadians, offering customers a convenient means of upgrading their inefficient or broken water softeners through a program that also offers positive environmental benefits," said Dene Rogers, President & CEO, Sears Canada Inc. "For every water softener that is 'SWAPed', Sears will handle the removal of the old unit from the customer's home, install a Kenmore model with a high-efficiency adapter, and provide a rebate form for the associated removal fee to a maximum of $50. Customers will not only save on the removal fee but be able to reduce energy costs related to water softening in their home."

A national program, SWAP encourages homeowners to upgrade their older water softeners, such as those models with water timers that cannot measure water consumption, to a new Kenmore(R) Ultrasoft water softener model that uses an ENERGY STAR(R)-qualified adapter. Using a water softener reduces the buildup of minerals in the pipes and the amount of soap required for daily tasks like washing dishes. This keeps the water treatment system in the home healthy and results in a reduction in energy use that benefits both the household budget and the environment.

Carbon is added to the atmosphere from the removal and disposal of each old water softener. With SWAP, the carbon that is added to the atmosphere is subtracted through Sears purchase of 'carbon offsets' -credits for emission reductions - making the process of removing and disposing of water softeners carbon-neutral. The carbon offsets generated by the SWAP program will be invested in a forest restoration project in Canada.

"Improved appliance performance and lifespan, less energy consumption, and the reduced demand for soap are key benefits for our customers" continued Mr. Rogers. "SWAP is another way Sears is continuing its commitment to grow its offering of eco-products and services and make it easy for customers to go green."

SWAP is available for in-store purchases of Kenmore water softeners from Sears department stores across Canada where water softener installation is offered. To see if water softener installation is available in your area call 1-800-4 MY HOME or your local Sears department store. Customers wishing more information on SWAP can visit www.sears.ca/eco.

To further assist customers, homeowners can affordably finance their new water softeners when they use their Sears Card or Sears MasterCard. See store for details.

    
    Sears Canada Named NRCan's 2009 ENERGY STAR Retailer of the Year
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Sears Canada won the prestigious "ENERGY STAR Retailer of the Year" award from Natural Resources Canada in 2009. This is the second year in a row that Sears Canada has received this award for excellence for promoting energy-efficient products and the third time overall, having won the award in its inaugural year, 2003.

Sears Canada is a multi-channel retailer with a network of 196 corporate stores, 193 dealer stores, 41 home improvement showrooms, over 1,800 catalogue merchandise pick-up locations, 108 Sears Travel offices and a nationwide home maintenance, repair, and installation network. The Company also publishes Canada's most extensive general merchandise catalogue and offers shopping online at www.sears.ca.

Contacts

Contact for Media: Eliana Cugini
Sears Canada Inc.
(416) 941-4426
ecugini@sears.ca