British Columbia and School Districts have jointly announced an investment of $20 million for projects to improve the energy efficiency and air quality in interior and northern British Columbian schools. To qualify for matching funds, the interior and northern school districts are required to submit project proposals to the Ministry of Education by May 29, 2009. The districts are also required to make a minimum matching investment of 50% of the project budget.
The Province of British Columbia will provide up to $500,000 for specific projects. The boards may invest additional funds to meet their individual upgrade needs.
The viability of a project will be assessed and prioritized on the basis of school condition and enrolment, as well as total estimated energy and carbon footprint savings.
The construction is projected to start on school energy efficiency upgrade projects in 2009-10.
This investment will create up to 128 direct jobs as part of the British Columbia’s $14-billion public infrastructure program.
“Replacing and upgrading mechanical systems in our schools can help make significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions,” said Education Minister Shirley Bond. “As well as reducing the carbon footprint of our schools, these retrofits will improve efficiency and help districts save costs in the long run.”
The overall cost savings for districts that result from this program will depend on the upgrades that happen at each school. For example, heat pumps typically function over three times the efficiency of existing heating systems, new condensing boilers can double fuel-to-heat conversion efficiency and reduce costs, and on-demand hot water heating can also reduce costs.
“These upgrades will help us reach our goal of leading the world in sustainable environmental management,” said Environment Minister Barry Penner. “Students hold the key to a greener future, and it is important that we continue to model responsible practices to impress on them the importance of being environmentally aware.”
Since 2001, the province has invested over $1.4 billion to complete 75 new and replacement schools, 147 additions, 25 renovation projects and 20 site acquisitions across British Columbia. All new and replacement schools have been constructed to meet the latest seismic standards.
By the end of 2008-09, the province will have committed over $3.1 billion in school capital and maintenance projects. As outlined by Premier Campbell, all new school construction projects will include British Columbia wood in their construction whenever possible.