A boiler upgrade project is being recognized by the British Columbia government as a Climate Action Success Story.
Rede and School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) upgraded the Cataline Elementary School to a biomass boiler – a change that has achieved a 95% carbon neutrality. The boiler was installed in the summer of 2016 and has reduced the annual greenhouse gas emissions by 284 tonnes.
This project is now a case study for the BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy and CleanBC. By reducing utility costs, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving classroom air quality and comfort, the boiler upgrade is an example of a creative solution to meet carbon reduction targets.
Rede has collaborated with School District #27 to create an ongoing strategic energy management plan to achieve district-wide reduction in energy consumption and utility costs. The Cataline Elementary School boiler was one project out of many throughout the district, but it was unique for a few reasons:
- Biomass boilers are rare in schools
- The project required collaboration with Thompson River University (Williams Lake Campus), a neighbouring facility that is also heated by the biomass boiler
The Climate Action Success Story notes that the project has achieved these benefits:
- Annual GHG emissions have been reduced by 284 tonnes
- Total utilities costs are down 48%
- TRU heating costs are down 15% with no capital outlay or maintenance costs
- The new pellet boiler is 95% carbon neutral
- Air quality has been improved
See the complete case study from the BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy and CleanBC.