Selkirk Receives Funding for HVAC System
On April 8th, the Federal and Provincial governments in partnership announced the approval of 29 projects at post-secondary institutions throughout BC. These are all part of a Canada-wide initiative called the Knowledge Infrastructure Program which is intended to stimulate economic activity while improving existing campus infrastructure with projects that decrease energy consumption and Greenhouse gas emissions.
Selkirk College is very pleased that the $1.88 million replacement of heating and ventilation (HVAC) equipment on its Castlegar Campus was among those projects which received approval. Support received from the Association of Canadian Community Colleges and the BC College Presidents Group played an important role in the establishment of the infrastructure program.
Work on the project will begin in July and will enable the college to offer summer programming and a more comfortable learning environment.
“Not only is the announced approval of this project a win for our students and staff, it is also a win for the environment and our communities. With the installation of this highly efficient and innovative equipment, gas consumption and subsequent Greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced by 40%, all of which will make a significant contribution to achieving our goal of carbon neutrality,” says Marilyn Luscombe, President of Selkirk College.
In addition to the HVAC upgrade, Selkirk submitted a request for funding to renovate the student residences on its Tenth Street Campus in Nelson. Although approval for this project was not part of yesterday’s announcement, the Provincial Government will continue to work with Selkirk to secure funding for this very important project.
The renovation of the student residence is a joint undertaking of the college and the City of Nelson with support from the local branch of the Cascadia Region Green Building Council, a volunteer organization committed to energy efficient and sustainable building practices. Both the city and the college remain excited and optimistic about finding the funding necessary to bring the residence back into use in a manner which is environmentally responsible.
First published on April 09, 2009
