Energy efficiency program puts $700K back in UBCO hands | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Energy efficiency program puts $700K back in UBCO hands

UBC Okanagan’s Reichwald Health and Sciences Centre was specifically built with energy savings in mind.
Image Credit: Contributed

KELOWNA - An energy efficiency program at UBC Okanagan resulted in $700,000 in rebates since it was first implemented in 2005.

Upgrades began in the gymnasium, where energy-efficient lighting was installed. From there, the University has worked alongside FortisBC during large campus expansion projects to ensure they meet the new standards while most older campus buildings were also upgraded. FortisBC offered incentives to purchase energy efficient materials to get the job done. 

The $700,000 in rebates are for gas and electricity projects since 2005. Many were earned by choosing energy-efficient building designs and equipment for new construction, according to a UBC media release. Some rebates were earned by selecting energy-efficient retrofits, such as new lighting and occupancy sensors for campus buildings.

“The benefits of energy savings are far reaching,” says Michael Shakespeare, UBC associate vice-president of finance and operations. “In addition to rebates and continued annual savings, UBC’s energy-efficiency initiatives are contributing to a resilient future for the next generation.”

Sarah Bird, a third-year student in the zoology program and chair of the Environment and Sustainability Society advocates for energy efficiency.

“There is a lot of energy demand globally. UBC’s action to reduce that load on the planet is making a statement about UBC’s commitment to sustainability,” says Bird. “I picked UBC Okanagan because it’s a small campus. Knowing that my university is also doing things to maintain environmental sustainability makes me feel good about my choice.”

“Over the past decade, UBC has reached the point where the institution is saving more than seven million kilowatt hours of electricity each year as a result of its participation in PowerSense programs,” says Roger Dall’Antonia, executive vice-president, customer service and regulatory affairs, FortisBC. “The kilowatt hours of electricity UBC saves each year translates into $465,000 in energy savings annually.”

“We are committed to working with all of our customers – big or small – to get the most out of their energy dollar,” said Dall’Antonia.

The energy savings and financial savings resulting from the programs illustrate UBC’s commitment to both environmental and economic sustainability."

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