April 6, 2010
FORT ST. JAMES STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM GREEN UPGRADE

FORT ST JAMES - Students at Fort St. James Secondary will benefit from cleaner air and more efficient heating, thanks to a $655,700 investment from the Province and school district, announced John Rustad, MLA for Nechako Lakes.

"People choose to live, work and play in this region because of our world-class, sustainable outdoor environment and our quality community services," said Rustad. "This project not only improves heating efficiency at Fort St. James Secondary, it shows our commitment to protecting educational services and the great northern outdoors for future generations."

Fort St. James students will see the existing heating, ventilation and air conditioning system replaced with high-efficiency condensing boilers, new digital controls, and improved air volumes and air quality. The estimated carbon footprint reduction is 33 per cent or 95 tonnes per year due to increased efficiency.

"Replacing and upgrading mechanical systems in our schools delivers significant cost-savings to districts through improved efficiency," said Minister of Education Margaret MacDiarmid. "And new, greener mechanical systems support our goal of making reductions in greenhouse gas emissions."

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.

"This is one more important step towards a cleaner operating school district," said Nechako Lakes board of education chair Rosalie Nichiporuk. "The efficiency of this new system will significantly lower operational costs as well."

The project is part 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 an 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 are constructed to meet the latest seismic and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold or equivalent standards. By the end of 2009-10, the Province committed more than $3.8 billion in school capital and maintenance projects across B.C.

-30-