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NEWS RELEASE
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For Immediate Release July 23, 2010 |
Ministry of Education
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GREENER SCHOOLS FOCUS DOLLARS ON LEARNING
VICTORIA – More northern and interior schools will benefit from energy-efficient mechanical upgrades as a part of a $20-million investment by the Province and school districts, announced Minister of Education Margaret MacDiarmid.
“These upgrades put student learning first while providing a more environmentally sound learning space with improved air quality and heating efficiency,” said MacDiarmid. “School districts will be able to keep more funds focused on learning through the cost savings the upgrades will bring.”
These projects will result in an estimated carbon footprint reduction of almost 1,200 tonnes per year, which is equivalent to taking 218 cars off the road. The overall cost savings for districts that result from this program will depend on the upgrade taking place at each school. For example, new condensing boilers can double fuel-to-heat conversion efficiency, and heat pumps typically triple the efficiency of existing heating systems.
“The Province is working with communities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by helping them move towards using cleaner, more efficient heating systems,” said John Yap, Minister of State for Climate Action. “Making our schools models for progressive environmental practices not only helps save on energy costs, but will help us reach our goal of being carbon-neutral in 2010.”
The Province is funding up to $500,000 for specific projects. Qualifying interior and northern school districts are making a minimum matching investment of 50 per cent of the total project budget. Boards may invest additional funds to support local upgrades.
These projects are phase two of an investment by the Province and school districts to improve energy efficiency and air quality in interior and northern B.C. schools. This investment is part of a $20-million initiative that is expected to create up to 128 direct jobs as part of the Province’s $14-billion public infrastructure program. Through Budget 2010, the Province is also providing $110 million to school districts across B.C. for annual facilities grants.
Since 2001, the Province has spent more than $1.7 billion to complete 80 new and replacement schools, 148 additions, 26 renovation projects and 22 site acquisitions across B.C. All new and replacement schools have been constructed to meet the latest seismic standards.
By the end of 2010-11, the Province will have committed more than $3.9 billion in school capital and maintenance projects across B.C.
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A backgrounder follows.
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Media Contact:
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Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Education 250 356-5963 |
For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.
BACKGROUNDER
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For Immediate Release July 23, 2010 |
Ministry of Education
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PROVINCE INVESTS IN MECHANICAL UPGRADES FOR 17 SCHOOLS
SD #10 Nakusp Secondary (Nakusp)
Project highlights include a ground source heat pump.
Capital Funding: $201,500
Est. Total Cost: $403,000
SD #27 Mile 108 Elementary (108 Mile Ranch)
Project highlights include a ground source heat pump.
Capital Funding: $250,000
Est. Total Cost: $500,000
SD #27 Naghtaneqed Elementary/Junior Secondary (Nemiah Valley)
Project highlights include propane rooftop units.
Capital Funding: $215,000
Est. Total Cost: $430,000
SD #27 Alexis Creek Elementary/Secondary (Alexis Creek)
Project highlights include a bio-energy heating system using wood pellets.
Capital Funding: $240,000
Est. Total Cost: $480,000
SD #52 Charles Hayes Secondary (Prince Rupert)
Project highlights include high-efficiency condensing boilers.
Capital Funding: $175,000
Est. Total Cost: $350,000
SD #54 Smithers Secondary (Smithers)
Project highlights include high-efficiency condensing boilers.
Capital Funding: $182,500
Est. Total Cost: $365,000
SD# 59 Parkland Elementary (Farmington)
Project highlights include high-efficiency natural gas-fired condensing furnaces.
Capital Funding: $60,000
Est. Total Cost: $120,000
SD #59 Tate Creek Elementary (Tomslake)
Project highlights include natural gas-fired condensing furnaces.
Capital Funding: $55,000
Est. Total Cost: $110,000
SD# 59 Central Middle School (Dawson Creek)
Project highlights include high-efficiency condensing boilers.
Capital Funding: $375,000
Est. Total Cost: $750,000
SD #60 Bert Bowes Jr. Secondary School (Fort St. John)
Project highlights include high-efficiency condensing boilers.
Capital Funding: $200,000
Est. Total Cost: $400,000
SD #60 Bert Ambrose Elementary (Fort St. John)
Project highlights include high-efficiency condensing boilers.
Capital Funding: $137,500
Est. Total Cost: $275,000
SD #60 Dr. Kearney Jr. Secondary School (Fort St. John)
Project highlights include an upgraded HVAC system.
Capital Funding: $137,500
Est. Total Cost: $275,000
SD #82 Nechako Elementary (Kitimat)
Project highlights include high-efficiency condensing boilers.
Capital Funding: $495,000
Est. Total Cost: $990,000
SD #87 Tahltan Elementary (Telegraph Creek)
Project highlights include high-efficiency condensing boilers.
Capital Funding: $100,000
Est. Total Cost: $200,000
SD #91 Mouse Mountain Elementary (Fraser Lake)
Project highlights include replacing HVAC and installing direct digital controls.
Capital Funding: $234,115
Est. Total Cost: $468,230
SD #91 David Hoy Elementary (Fort St. James)
Project highlights include replacing HVAC and installing direct digital controls.
Capital Funding: $230,819
Est. Total Cost: $461,638
SD #93 École Franco-Nord Elementary (Prince George)
Project highlights include high-efficiency condensing boilers.
Capital Funding: $400,000
Est. Total Cost: $800,000
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Media Contact:
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Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Education 250 356-5963 |
