March 27, 2009
Langley Gets Set to Work on Slashing Emissions

LANGLEY – This summer, the Kwantlen Langley Main Campus will see work start up on more than $200,000 in new energy-efficiency retrofits for public sector buildings.

“It is important that we all do our part to build a better environment for generations to come,” says Fort Langley-Aldergrove MLA Rich Coleman. “By being more efficient with our public facilities, we are saving energy today for the benefit of tomorrow.”

“We are leading the way in energy conservation and greener living,” says Langley MLA Mary Polak. “By ensuring that our public sector is energy efficient, we are setting an example on conservation and working to reduce our dependency on resources.”

The Kwantlen Langley Main Campus has been awarded $204,268 to upgrade to higher efficiency light bulbs, reprogram controls and replace its existing boiler with a high efficiency one. Overall, this will save 52,135 kilowatt hours in electricity and 135 tonnes of Greenhouse House Gasses (GHGs).

These retrofits are part of the three year, $75 million Public Sector Energy Conservation Agreement (PSECA) announced in Budget 2008.  PSECA aligns with the BC Energy Plan, which states that 50 per cent of B.C.’s new electricity needs will be met through conservation by 2020 and will fund retrofitting of existing public sector buildings across the province by March 2010.

Round two of PSECA will see construction begin on more than 70 projects, resulting in more than 180 direct and indirect jobs province wide, lower GHGs and savings for taxpayers equal to the costs of powering about 1,500 households a year.

The Government of British Columbia is also committed to helping the private sector save energy. LiveSmart BC builds sustainable communities by rewarding smart choices to reduce energy consumption and by promoting investment in green business opportunities that help create new jobs in a low-carbon economy.

To learn more, visit www.livesmartbc.ca.

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