Schools across the Maple Ridge school district (SD 42) are saving energy and money by investing in efficiencies. The Ministry of Education has approved SD 42’s Energy Management Plan (EMP) that over the next 8 years will bring over $4 million in operational savings and also dramatically reduce emissions.

In the development of SD 42’s EMP, high level energy assessments were conducted for all 34 school district facilities, including 20 elementary schools, six secondary schools and eight other buildings. These assessments formed the basis for SD 42’s 2015-19 Energy Management Plan.

SD 42 estimates it will invest $4.16 million towards their EMP. Targets will be reached through the implementation of energy conservation measures such as lighting, heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) upgrades, and also through shifting behavioural habits.

For example, the Thomas Haney High School upgrade is the highlight of the energy management program because of its scope and good financial return on investment. Replacing the HVAC system and upgrading lighting will save the school district approximately $150,000 in ongoing utility costs with a simple payback of 5 years for recuperating its investment. The school district’s EMP integrates not only technical and organizational actions but also educational opportunities. SD 42 will continually engage students in energy conservation activities.

For 2015-16, there are 24 school districts throughout the province that will receive funding. The Carbon Neutral Capital Program provides annual funding for approved school district projects. Moving forward, any operational cost savings realized can be re-invested directly back into classrooms.

Quotes:

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Education -

“B.C. is committed to making smart investments to the benefit of students. The Maple Ridge school district has done a tremendous job in reducing energy consumption and will become more efficient in the years to come.”

Doug Bing, MLA Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows -

“Increasing energy efficiency in our school district saves money that can be directly invested back into classrooms. Additionally, investments like these demonstrate to students the kinds of action that we can take to reduce energy consumption and implement clean energy practices.”

Mike Murray, Maple Ridge school district, board chair -

“Our board was tasked with implementing long-term strategic initiatives to achieve administrative budget reductions over the next two years. With the help of our partners, Ministry of Education and BC Hydro, we are now in a position to save $0.5 million on our ongoing utility costs while also creating a culture of energy conservation in our classrooms. This is a win-win situation for all of us, but especially for our students, who will have better lighting and temperature conditions in their classrooms while they learn about the budgetary and environmental benefits of energy conservation.”

Quick Facts:

• The ministry launched the Carbon Neutral Capital Program (CNCP) in 2012 to compensate school districts for the amount they paid each year to purchase carbon offsets. The program was developed in consultations with education stakeholders, including the British Columbia School Trustees Association.
• Since 2012, the ministry has provided $5 million each year to eligible school districts for a total of $20 million.

Learn More:

B.C.’s Education Plan: http://www.bcedplan.ca/

Media Contacts:

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