July 22, 2010
Students Benefit from Green Mechanical Upgrades

VANDERHOOF - Students at two schools in the Nechako Lakes school district will benefit from cleaner air and more efficient heating, thanks to a $930,000 investment from the Province and school district, announced Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad.

"The Province is working with northern and Interior school districts to ensure we keep our education funding focused on students, not on the cost of heating schools," said Rustad. "Improved heating efficiency, comfortable schools and cleaner air for the community are all benefits of these projects."

The two schools will be receiving a variety of physical plant upgrades, which will result in an estimated carbon reduction of 87 tonnes for the district. Highlights include:

Mouse Mountain Elementary school will receive high-efficiency boilers to replace the existing end-of-life heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. The estimated carbon footprint reduction is 28 per cent or 24 tonnes per year.

David Hoy Elementary school will receive high-efficiency condensing boilers to replace its heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. The estimated carbon footprint reduction is 42 per cent or 63 tonnes per year.

"These upgrades put student learning first while providing a more environmentally sound learning space with improved air quality and heating efficiency," said Education Minister Margaret MacDiarmid. "School districts will be able to keep more funds focused on learning through the cost savings the upgrades will bring."

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.

"Ensuring schools upgrade their heating systems means more money can be spent in the classroom," said Nechako Lakes board chair Rosalie Nichiporuk. "This investment is for more than just an improvement to a facility, it is an investment to support a better learning environment for future students and staff in the district."

The project is part of an investment by the Province and school districts to improve energy 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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