The Northern Capital was the announcement ground for a new program in BC aimed at energy efficiency.
The rolling five-year plan will transition courthouses, correctional centres, warehouses, and ministry offices into facilities that are 80% more energy efficient by 2050.
“The B.C. government is leading by example and walking the talk when it comes to building a better future for British Columbians,” said Jinny Sims, Minister of Citizens’ Services.
“The new CleanBC Government Buildings Program will help government facilities consume less energy, reduce emissions, create local jobs and save British Columbians money.”
The Province is investing $58 million over the next five years to improve provincial government buildings, including:
- switching from fossil fuel to clean and renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, biomass and hydropower;
- using smart technologies to conserve energy, such as Wi-Fi building sensors to regulate lighting and real-time data displays;
- installing electric vehicle charging stations;
- undertaking energy retrofits in existing buildings, such as replacing heating systems and upgrading lighting;
- building new energy-efficient facilities, using green design and innovative technologies;
- making buildings more resilient to climate change by relocating and reinforcing equipment to protect against possible floods and wind, installing more HVAC systems and exterior drainage; and
- creating flexible and modern work environments to support a growing mobile workforce.
Sims announced the program at the Prince George Downtown Renewable Energy System, which uses biomass to heat 10 area buildings. The Prince George Law Courts emit 30% less greenhouse gases after connecting to the system in 2018. Under the program, the courthouse will also receive a new electric vehicle charging station, lighting improvements and retrofits to the heating and ventilation system.
City Councillor Murry Krause said having sat on panels to judge energy efficient projects in the North, he sees many municipalities in the region jumping on board with the clean energy movement.
The effort Minister Sims took to come here was not lost on him either.
“One of the things I was pleased with, is that the Minister came to Prince George. She could have just made it from Vancouver, but she chose to come here to make it in a location where we are doing some pretty incredible things.”