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BC public sector receives $25 million energy jolt

The British Columbia government will give $25 million in energy retrofits to schools, universities, colleges, hospitals and Crown corporations to create jobs and cut carbon pollution, according to a government news release.

 

“We know this investment will immediately translate into a lower energy footprint for public sector buildings, less carbon pollution, and savings to taxpayers,” said John Yap, Minister of State for Climate Action. “Equally important, these investments will create new jobs across the province and spur public sector organizations and B.C. businesses to find innovative ways to tackle climate change.”

 

In 2007 the BC created the Public Sector Energy Conservation Agreement in Partnership with BC Hydro. Budget 2008 committed $75 million over three years to help public sector organizations. To date, the government says achievements include annual energy cost savings of close to $7.4 million, greenhouse gas reductions of over 18,700 tonnes and conservation of 38.6 GWh of electricity.

 

“Investing in energy efficiency has many long-term pay backs,” said David Cobb, president and CEO, BC Hydro. “Not only do customers reduce operating costs, but energy efficiency and conservation also create jobs. In fact, our Power Smart initiatives will create 193,000 jobs in the province over 30 years.”

 

The $25 investment will be spread across four categories:

 

·         $6 million in K-12 schools throughout the province for HVAC retrofits

·         $2 million for solar thermal projects to fund solar hot water and air systems

·         $12 million for district energy systems.

·         $5 million for an open call for proposals to all provincial public sector organizations

 

For more information on the Public Sector Energy Conservation Agreement, visit www.env.gov.bc.ca/cas/mitigation/pseca.html.

June 11, 2010  By  John Gilson



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