GFSS gets funding for new boiler
By Shara JJ Cooper
School District 51 has received $86,235 to help it purchase a new boiler for Grand Forks Secondary School though the provincial government’s Carbon Neutral Capital Program (CNCP).
“Our government is setting an important example by spearheading the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions across B.C.,” Boundary-Similkameen MLA Linda Larson said. “The new boiler at Grand Forks Secondary will be much more efficient and reduce the school’s carbon footprint for the benefit of everyone in Grand Forks.”
The Boundary School District is one of 24 B.C. school districts are sharing $5 million for energy projects like lighting upgrades, boiler replacements, solar panels and electric vehicles under the CNCP.
School districts were asked to submit proposals to the Ministry of Education back in November. These proposals 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, including the $86,235 for the Boundary School District’s replacement boiler at Grand Forks Secondary, were given the green light and are receiving provincial funds.
Every five years, each dollar a school district spends in purchasing carbon offsets is intended to flow back to the district through the CNCP. The funded projects help school districts reduce their energy costs over time and support government’s overall objective of climate action leadership.
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.
— Contributor
