Changes made to energy plan
Jun 30, 2009 - 03:08 PM
By Crystal Crimi
DURHAM -- The Catholic school board is getting more energy efficient.
With more money coming from the Ministry of Education to fund energy-efficiency projects, the Durham Catholic District School Board is adding to its energy action plan originally approved in December 2008. The plan was based on capital available at the time and presented in four stages.
The Ministry's energy efficient schools initiative includes Catholic board funding of about $240,000 for operating efficiencies; almost $335,000 in 2009-2010 and $383,000 in 2010-2011 for operational efficiency small engines; $1 million in 2009-2010 and $1.8 million in 2010-2011 for major building components renewal; as well as money for renovations and retrofits of existing schools with projects to be selected from a list submitted to the Ministry, such as the replacement of portables with additions to schools.
Initially, the board was going to try to fund its energy plan through its annual facilities renewal budget and a 10-year debenture. But that won't be required now.
"It's really an absolute bonus for us," said Tim Robins, the board's assistant superintendent of facility services.
The new ministry funding allows the Catholic board to move up projects from phases three and four of the energy plan, previously scheduled for 2010 and 2011, and to add projects from the identified priorities initiatives and energy incentives from the utilities sector, said a report presented at a recent Catholic school board meeting.
Energy efficiency measures are anticipated to save almost $500,000 per year when the plan is fully implemented. They should reduce more than 1,200 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year, equivalent to growing more than 32,000 tree seedlings for 10 years.
"Or taking 273 passenger cars off the road," Mr. Robins said.
Projects included in the updated energy-action plan include energy controls for computer terminals and vending machines, occupancy sensors for gyms, lights and timers for facilities services, building automation systems and centralized controls at various schools, and boilers, lights, and roofs.
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