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.
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.
“Bringing 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,” said Peter Fassbender, Minister of Education.