BC Cool Campus Challenge
The 2020 Cool Campus Challenge is now closed.
Selkirk is a BC Cool Campus! Take the pledge today!
Post-secondary institutions across the Province are challenging each other to reduce natural gas use and encourage campus community members to take energy conservation actions by signing the BC Cool Campus Pledge. By reducing natural gas use, we can reduce our climate impact and demonstrate climate leadership.
Joining Selkirk College are Simon Fraser University, Thompson Rivers University and Vancouver Island University.
And thank you to FortisBC who is funding Selkirk College in this challenge.
January 9, January 23 and February 27 - Pledge in person in the Pit on the Castlegar Campus and enter to win great prizes.
The Winner, The Prize!
The winner of the BC Cool Campus Challenge will be the institution that collects the most online pledges from students and employees (as a percentage of their overall FTE numbers) to save energy at their respective institution between January 6 and March 2.
The winning institution will get a branded sweater or warm clothing item from each of the participating institutions. On behalf of the participating institutions, the winning team will donate all the warm clothing items to a local charitable organization to keep more people warm this heating season.
Additionally, the winning institution wins bragging rights as the coolest campus in BC!
Selkirk College was the winner in 2019! Let's show this level of commitment to energy conservation again this year! Get the story...
What actions are being encouraged, and why?
Simple actions like turning down the heat, wearing warmer clothing, taking shorter showers, and washing clothes in cold water all help to reduce natural gas use and lower our carbon footprint.
Why are post-secondary institutions leading this challenge?
Public institutions have taken this opportunity to be leaders in our community. This challenge is an example of how collaboration can address concerns about energy use. Natural gas is a limited and uncertain non-renewable resource. The purpose of this challenge is to start a conversation on energy dependency and resiliency. How can we engage in energy saving practices in addition to seeking renewable energy resources? Let's take this opportunity to discuss it.
Why is turning down the heat important?
The majority of the energy used on Selkirk College campuses is for heating and cooling systems. By turning down the heat, even by just a few degrees, we save significant amounts of energy and in turn are reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.
Why can’t I just plug in a space heater?
Using a space heater or opening a window may suffice your own personal temperature needs, but these actions negatively impact our building's HVAC systems as a whole, which in turn causes a negative domino effect to other spaces as the system attempts to respond appropriately. For example, when space heaters are used, the thermostat nearby will sense its heat and reduce the heat output for that entire zone, not just that room. This may adversely affect the temperature in nearby classrooms or for your office neighbours.
Employees are asked to please refrain from using space heaters and from opening windows to adjust temperatures, as these actions hinder everyone's comfort level. Dressing in layers is the best way to ensure your own comfort.
What can I do if my building is too hot or too cold?
To prepare for slightly lower temperatures in buildings, please dress appropriately and wear warm layers as needed. A sweater is better! Look for the upcoming Sweater Day on your campus.
- February 4 – Silver King Campus
- February 5 – Tenth Street Campus
- February 6 – Castlegar Campus
Take the pledge today!