Conservation program saves energy and money
May 25, 2016
Langley, BC – District-wide energy conservation program reduces kilowatt hours used and saves the Langley School District $700,000 in expenditures over five-year period.
As part of an aggressive campaign to save money on power consumption that began five years ago, the District has managed to save 7.2 million kilowatt hours of energy and $700,000, allowing the District to maintain budget levels for electricity payments over the entire five-year period. As the District goes through the yearly budget process, a highlight is the fact that the District’s 2016-2017 budget line is the same today as it was in the 2011-2012 school year, despite increases in BC Hydro electricity rates.
Secretary Treasurer David Green commented, “Conservation efforts including conservation policies, strategic planning and the active participation of students and staff have enabled the District to keep the electricity budget constant at $1.3 million – if these efforts hadn’t been made, the District would have had to spend considerably more year after year.” Mr. Green presented this budget highlight to the Board of Education at their Regular Meeting on May 24, 2016 as part of the Secretary Treasurer’s report on the budget process.
Over the last few years energy savings studies and subsidized Technical consultants from BC Hydro assisted in identifying several opportunities for saving energy and money. Twenty-nine lighting projects including installation of lighting sensors that automatically turn lights off when not needed, upgrades to energy efficient LED lighting and sensors that monitor energy consumption in real time have all assisted in reducing consumption in district facilities. Also, increased awareness around conservation efforts have had an impact as students and staff turn off lights, unplug electronics over breaks and become more ‘conservation aware’. Saving 7.2 million kilowatt hours equates to more than six elementary schools’ (or 133 households) electrical consumption over five years.
Langley School District was recognized as one of BC Hydro’s Top 10 Power Smart customers in BC and the Top Power Smart Customer in the Education Sector for its level of engagement in energy efficient projects, Power Smart Program offerings and Energy Manager participation in November of 2015.
Contact: Ken Hoff, Communications Manager, School District No. 35: 604-534-7891