Cleaner air, reduced energy consumption and lower operating costs are some of the benefits to come from mechanical upgrades at Fort Nelson Secondary School. To support the school district's environmental efforts, Peace River North MLA Pat Pimm announced that the B.C. government is contributing $2.3 million to the district as part of the Energy Efficient Mechanical Upgrade Program (EEMUP) for public schools.

Since 2006, the district has spent $2.5 million to upgrade the mechanical and electrical systems at the school using its Annual Facilities Grant and local funding. For example, 13 boilers at the school were replaced by eight new, more efficient boilers. The additional $2.3 million in government funding will allow the district to complete the necessary retrofits at the school, including a new digital system and a new split air handling system with free cooling capacity for computer rooms. The upgrades will be completed by summer 2013.

In addition to mechanical and electrical improvements, the district has also implemented strategies to further reduce their carbon footprint. For example, the boiler systems are completely shut down during summer months when buildings are typically unoccupied. These strategies, combined with system upgrades and milder weather, have resulted in significant energy and gas savings at Fort Nelson Secondary. From 2008-09 to 2011-12, the school lowered their energy usage by 85 per cent and their gas consumption by 66 per cent compared to the same period in previous years.

The province provided a total of $20 million in matching funds to school districts in interior and northern B.C. through EEMUP. The funding gave participating districts the opportunity to upgrade mechanical systems in their schools so they could improve air quality, increase energy efficiency, lower their operating costs and reduce their overall carbon footprint.

Quotes:

Don McRae, Minister of Education -

"The Ministry of Education and the Fort Nelson school district have teamed up to make energy retrofits to their school, and as a result, they'll continue to cut their energy and gas consumption and save on their operating costs in the process."

"We have seen many innovative projects in schools across B.C. and these initiatives have led to significant environmental as well as financial benefit for our districts. Now the Fort Nelson school district will be another example of this, as they put the Energy Efficient Mechanical Upgrade Program funding to great use at Fort Nelson Secondary school."

Pat Pimm, Fort Nelson MLA -

"I had the opportunity to meet with the Fort Nelson Board of Education trustees and visit the Fort Nelson Secondary school today. It was a great experience to meet the students and staff who are benefitting from the ongoing upgrades at the school."

"Mechanical and electrical improvements are an excellent investment in our local schools and our community. Cleaner air benefits all of our residents, and we appreciate the work that the school district and the Ministry of Education have done to improve our environment."

Linda Dolen, Fort Nelson Board of Education chair -

"Our board of education and staff at school district 81, working in partnership with government ministries, have achieved an agreement that will allow us to proceed with a much needed ventilation upgrade in the academic wing of our secondary school."

"The trustees and senior staff look forward to working the Ministry of Education to realize our plans that will enhance the learning environment for our students. I would like to thank our staff and the Minister of Education whose work helped to make this project a reality."

Quick Facts:

• Since 2006, the Fort Nelson school district has made several upgrades to Fort Nelson Secondary's mechanical and electrical systems. These include the replacement of the school's natural gas boiler system with a more efficient model and the installation of computer controlled, heat set-backs to conserve energy on evenings as well as weekends.

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested more than $3.7 million in the Fort Nelson school district for additions to Fort Nelson Secondary and J.S. Clark Elementary.

• During this time, the government has committed more than $4 billion to capital and maintenance projects throughout B.C.

Learn More:

Fort Nelson school district (SD 81): http://www.sd81.bc.ca/

BC's Education Plan: http://www.bcedplan.ca

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963