Ontario Helps Colleges, Universities & Schools Save on Energy
March 26, 2018
The Province of Ontario is helping colleges, universities and schools to improve energy efficiency, while fighting climate change. It’s a major initiative focused on reducing Ontario’s overall carbon footprint and dramatically reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
With an emphasis on generating energy savings for colleges and universities, the province’s investment strategy is part of Ontario's Climate Change Action Plan. Funding for the program is provided by the proceeds of Ontario's carbon market initiative.
The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund
The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, also known as the GGRF, is providing 200 million in funding for school buildings to upgrade their energy efficiency. The funding is targeted at upgrades and retrofits that include high-efficiency lighting, energy-efficient windows, and high performance furnaces.
With the proceeds of Ontario’s Cap and Trade auctions, the GGRF supports a variety of energy-efficiency retrofits for universities, colleges, and schools. The idea is to generate energy savings that are substantial. Upgrades and retrofits are meant to reduce energy consumption throughout the course of the year.
Beyond reducing energy consumption in school buildings, the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund benefits students by providing a far healthier and more comfortable learning environment. From a big picture perspective, every effort aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions contributes to a “low-carbon” province.
Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan
Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan is a concerted effort to fight the negative effects of climate change. Climate change and global warming affects schools, universities, and colleges, costing the province dearly. By reducing pollution and carbon footprints, there are major economic benefits.
As it is, Ontario is already leading the way with initiatives that are driving energy-efficiency in both residential settings and commercial settings. The bottom line is to accelerate movement to a low-carbon economy (without totally sacrificing fuels for heating and gas-powered vehicles).
CCAP is designed to create options and offer choices. It’s about establishing a solid foundation for homeowners, businesses, and institutions to make serious changes when it comes to climate change. And that means dramatically reducing greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprints.
High Performance Construction Program
Ontario’s High Performance New Construction Program provides incentives that will ensure energy savings for colleges, universities and schools (by making buildings much more energy efficient). Incentives are offered to building owners and decision-makers to offset project costs.
The fact is, buildings generate substantial amounts of greenhouse gas emissions throughout the province, particularly in mega-centres like Toronto. Energy efficient buildings are viable – they lower operating costs; they enhance occupant comfort; and they reduce GHG emissions.
Providing college and university energy savings for the future
By investing in energy improvements at colleges, universities and schools, the Ontario government is ensuring a sound energy future. From energy-efficient windows, to high-efficiency HVAC systems, to insulation retrofitting, these are projects that will lessen energy consumption, achieve targeted emissions reductions, and reduce greenhouse gas pollution. Interested in making your educational facility more energy efficient? Talk to a representative at Great Northern Insulation today!
