BRITISH COLUMBIA, Canada—The government of British Columbia recently announced it is putting $217.7 million of annual maintenance funding to school districts across the province to increase energy efficiency in schools.

This year’s funding is more than $32 million higher than four years ago. Also included this year is an additional $12.2 million from CleanBC that will provide school districts with more resources through the province’s Carbon Neutral Capital Program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This extra funding will also create operating cost savings from energy efficiencies such as adding solar panels, high efficiency boilers and LED lighting upgrades, a government release stated.

“Tackling climate change is critically important for all of us, and our school system can play a part in helping cut carbon pollution,” said B.C. Minister of Education Rob Fleming in a statement. “That’s why we’ve significantly increased maintenance funding to help districts better maintain schools, improve energy efficiency and work to provide the best possible learning environments for students,”

CleanBC is the government’s plan to reduce carbon pollution through approximately $1.3 billion in provincial funding over four years.

Said B.C. Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy Minister George Heyman in a statement, “We’re working with school districts throughout the province to create healthier learning environments for students and modeling a more secure future through energy efficient buildings and transportation options.”

In addition to new CleanBC funding the Carbon Neutral Capital Program is providing approximately $17 million to nearly 70 different energy efficient projects.

There will also be the option for school districts to purchase electric school buses through the 2020-21 Bus Acquisition Program, which provides $13 million for 31 school districts to buy 101 new buses including up to 15 electric buses. Districts that purchase electric buses will also have access to provincial funding for charging station infrastructure.

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Popular with students since opening, the wear-and-tear on the CJL was to be expected. Spearheaded by Joshua Zinder, AIA, founding principal of JZA+D, the renovation project did more than merely replace the worn-out finishes. About 17,800 square feet of building area has now been completely refreshed — finishes, furnishing and fixtures — while mechanical systems and exterior building envelope including windows and front doors have been upgraded to reduce both energy consumption and long-term maintenance requirements. 

Perhaps most importantly, the building’s use during the project went largely uninterrupted, and the approach was highly cost-effective. Zinder’s team produced detailed, tiered recommendations along with associated budget impacts, and firm partner Mark Sullivan, AIA, developed phased scheduling to allow for continuous occupancy.

“Today, students and other users of the Center for Jewish Life experience better organized interiors, new signage and wayfinding. Also, improved lighting and artwork help bring the Center for Jewish Life up to the high standards that Princeton University consistently offers in all its campus facilities,” says Zinder, vice president-elect of AIA NewJersey. JZA+D also recently completed a welcome center for Rutgers-Camden.  

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