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Dalhousie University to switch to natural gas from heating oil

February 18, 2011

Nova Scotia has announced it is helping Dalhousie University reduce its carbon footprint and emissions by supporting its switch to natural gas from heating oil, which is said to cut operating costs and eliminate sulfur and particulate emissions, while significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

February 18, 2011  By  Alyssa Dalton


The conversion is being funded under the province’s Gas Market Development Fund and is part of the university’s plan for a sustainable campus.

“I commend Dalhousie for taking the initiative to reduce emissions,” said energy minister Charlie Parker. “This will also help expand the gas distribution network in Nova Scotia and that is exactly what the Gas Market Development Fund was set up to do.”

According to the province, by converting to natural gas, the university will save money and improve air quality.

“Dalhousie is an environmental leader, committed to sustainability and clean energy initiatives in our community,” said Ken Burt, vice-president of finance and administration, Dalhousie University.

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“The generous support provided by the province combined with the efforts of our project partners made the transition to natural gas a smooth one for Dalhousie. We believe this conversion will immediately benefit the province, the city and our neighbours,” he said.

Saint Mary’s University and Mount Saint Vincent University have already switched to natural gas.

“We are very pleased that Dalhousie University has converted to natural gas, making the university our largest customer,” said Jim Bracken, president of Heritage Gas. He estimated that the university will eliminate more than 12,000 tonnes of green house gas emissions by using natural gas.

The Gas Market Development Fund was established with funding from the Sable Offshore Energy Producers. The province is contributing about $1.4 million to the university for equipment and installation. The project cost is estimated at $1.8 million.

CLICK HERE for more information about Dalhousie’s plan for climate change.

 


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