Energy efficiency resources for British Columbia schools

By andre LeBLanc, caFS

In today’s changing regulatory and social environment, energy efficiency is becoming a popular topic of discussion. The federal and provincial governments have created initiatives which provide opportunities for the greening of our homes, businesses, and institutions as a way to promote economic growth while fighting climate change.

Building operation systems which have been industry-standard for decades, now come in a variety of energy-efficient options which can be implemented using upgrades or retrofits. Lighting, as well as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), and water systems are eligible for the most energy savings.

The provincial government offers rebates, resources, and networks to organizations that install such eligible systems. Under BC Hydro’s rebate program, energy-saving upgrades with both short-term and long-term payback are available to save money, reduce environmental impacts, and maintain or upgrade energy infrastructure. There are also grants available to subsidize the cost of employing a designated energy manager, and special funding is also available for organizations spending over $200,000 annually on electricity.

Outside of these incentives, BC Hydro offers an online teaching resource hub for schools on energy education. This includes activities and lesson plans for teachers to instruct students on topics like conservation, sustainability, and safety. Scholarships and endowments are also available for B.C. students applying to pursue higher education in clean energy fields. (BC Hydro, 2018).

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Many Canadian schools are already reaping the benefits of energy rebate programs. According to benchmark statistics from the energy efficiency projects in Canadian provinces, the Office of Energy Efficiency speculates, “Schools that implement energy efficiency projects can save 15 to 20 per cent or more of their energy costs.” (Office of Energy Efficiency, 2017).

Recommendations

School facility operators should be aware of the financial, social, and ecological benefits of switching to energy-efficient practices. It is best to stay informed of new developments and industry trends, to ensure which upgrades are right for your facility. Here are some quick tips: • Consult government and industry sources for additional information and support when considering energy efficiency upgrades. BC Hydro Power Smart is a great place to start. • Before implementing these projects, schools should research and determine the cost of implementation, potential disruption of installation, and maximum benefit of efficiency upgrades. • For any building, HVAC systems tend to be a large component of energy usage and wastage. Consider energy efficiency when selecting air filters for HVAC systems. Efficient air filtration systems will help reduce costs associated with running HVAC equipment. Be sure that the air filtration system is also protecting the indoor environment by removing particulate matter to levels safe for human occupancy. Air filters should be independently tested and compliant with ASHRAE standard 62.2-2016. A full filtration survey should be completed by a NAFA-certified technician, and followed up with air quality testing to provide evidence of a school’s indoor air quality. A filtration survey will reveal any limitations of a current air filtration system and help to diagnose IAQ problems. Air quality testing monitors the presence of any harmful contaminants, pressure deficiencies, and HVAC problem areas.

Consider LEED certification to maximize energy efficiency of your school. In particular, LEED schools provide a great opportunity to integrate energy efficiency and conservation directly into the learning environment. n

Sources

BC Hydro. 2018. Power Smart for Schools. https://schools. bchydro.com/

Office of Energy Efficiency. 2001. Benchmarking Guide for

School Facility Managers. Energy Innovators Initiative.

Ottawa. http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/Publications/commercial/ pdf/m92-221-2001E.pdf

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