Twenty-four B.C. school districts are sharing $5 million for energy projects like lighting upgrades, boiler replacements, solar panels and electric vehicles under the Carbon Neutral Capital Program (CNCP).

In the Arrow Lakes school district (SD 10), a new solar energy system will be installed at Lucerne Elementary/Secondary and Nakusp Elementary. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and the district has said students will be involved in both the installation and monitoring of the system to enhance their education experience.

Richmond school district (SD 38) intends to purchase three electric vehicles for its Facilities and Maintenance fleet. Compared to gas-powered vehicles, the district expects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 98% and save $4,787 annually for each electric vehicle they operate.

All school districts were asked to submit proposals to the ministry in November. These were then evaluated on greenhouse gas emission reductions and operational cost savings, along with the level of contributions available for the project from the district and energy service partners. Overall, 25 projects were given the green light to move forward.

Since the program began in 2012, school districts now achieve annual savings of more than $1.2 million in school and vehicle operating costs as well as a reduction of 4,000 tonnes in carbon dioxide emissions as a direct result of the projects.

Quotes:

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Education -

“Bringing a new a new solar energy system or an electric vehicle to a school district can not only save energy, but can also spark opportunities for students to learn about new technology.”

Mary Polak, Minister of Environment -

“School districts and other sectors continue to submit innovative proposals for green projects, which further supports B.C.’s carbon neutral mandate and helps us continue as a world leader to reduce emissions. By investing in these projects, school districts will reduce energy use and the money saved can be redirected to district priorities.”

Quick Facts:

The ministry launched this program in 2012 to compensate school districts for the amount they paid each year to purchase carbon offsets, which funded projects that reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and saved money.

Since 2012, the ministry has provided $5 million each year to eligible school districts for a total of $20 million.

In 2010, B.C. became the first province or state in North America to become carbon neutral. The B.C. government's approach to carbon neutrality drives down GHG emissions, reduces energy costs and produces savings to allow public-sector organizations to reinvest in other energy saving projects. Those projects, in turn, create jobs in B.C.'s growing clean energy sector.

Media Contacts:

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

BACKGROUNDER

School districts benefit from energy-savings funding

The following school districts are the successful applicants to receive project funding under the ministry’s Carbon Neutral Capital Program for 2015-16:

Arrow Lakes (SD 10):
$49,827 for solar energy system (total for two schools)

Revelstoke (SD 19):
$75,000 to replace rooftop units with heat pumps

Vernon (SD 22):
$157,000 for boiler replacement

Central Okanagan (SD 23):
$159,960 for boiler replacement

Cariboo-Chilcotin (SD 27):
$416,142 for boiler and lighting

Chilliwack (SD 33):
$287,000 for boiler replacement

Abbotsford (SD 34):
$110,000 for HVAC consolidation

Langley (SD 35):
$180,000 for boiler replacement

Surrey (SD 36):
$565,500 for boiler replacement

Richmond (SD 38):
$66,595 to purchase three electric vehicles

Vancouver (SD 39):
$344,200 for digital data and communication upgrades

Maple Ridge (SD 42):
$461,330 for lighting, HVAC and hot water

Coquitlam (SD 43):
$175,000 for boiler replacement

North Vancouver (SD 44):
$480,000 for boiler replacement

Powell River (SD 47):
$52,000 for boiler replacement

Haida Gwai'i (SD 50):
$84,000 for solar Photovoltaics panels

Boundary (SD 51):
$86,235 for boiler replacement

Prince George (SD 57):
$320,227 for boiler replacement

Greater Victoria (SD 61):
$237,500 for boiler replacement

Comox Valley (SD 71):
$90,000 for boiler replacement

Campbell River (SD 72):
$50,000 for boiler replacement

Mission (SD 75):
$225,845 for boiler replacement

Fort Nelson (SD 81):
$60,000 for boiler replacement

Nechako Lakes (SD 91):
$267,000 to install air handling units

To read more details about specific projects selected, go to:
Carbon Neutral Capital Program allocations for 2015-16: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/DownloadAsset?assetId=CA691060D433465F8CC13566C42817D5

Media Contacts:

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