HAMILTON - More than 1000 publicly funded schools across the province will be made more energy efficient to give Ontario students better places to learn and help boards save energy and money. Construction will start as soon as this summer.

This two-year investment will help improve existing schools across Ontario, while creating and sustaining more than 5,500 jobs. Of the $550-million investment, $400 million will be allocated to:

• Conduct energy audits to help manage and conserve energy;
• Retrofit buildings with new energy efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and boilers.

For the Hamilton area, this means: 

• $9,649,406 for the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board;
• $4,881,569 for the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board.

The remaining $150 million will be allocated on a project-by-project basis to improve the learning environment for students currently in energy inefficient portables and schools.

The investment will save school boards money by reducing energy bills and will create jobs in Ontario's new green economy.

Ontario schools are also teaching kids how to be more environmentally friendly. Starting in the fall of 2009, environmental education will be added to the curriculum in every subject in every grade. And programs such as EcoSchools are teaching students about conserving energy, minimizing waste and greening school grounds.

QUOTES

"A vibrant school environment starts from the ground up. By retrofitting our schools right here in Hamilton, we’re creating jobs while saving energy and money, and teaching our kids about greener ways to live," said Sophia Aggelonitis, MPP for Hamilton Mountain.

"This is another important step as we move forward together in creating a more sustainable community," said Ted McMeekin, MPP for Ancaster Dundas Flamborough Westdale.

We are extremely pleased and appreciative to the Government of Ontario for its commitment to Hamilton’s schools, students and workers,” said Patrick J. Daly, Chairperson of the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board. “This funding will support ongoing Board initiatives which promote stewardship and care for the environment, and improve the earning facilities for our students.”


"Reducing our environmental footprint is of great interest to us at Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board. We hope to set a positive example to others for being good environmental citizens and today's announcement will go a long way in helping us achieve that goal." Said Jessica Brennen, Chair of the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board

“This announcement addresses the key barrier to energy conservation by providing funding to subsidize the cost of energy audits and retrofits. Finding the funds for capital projects and audit services is very difficult for all sectors; businesses, homeowners, and schools. The Liberal Government has just taken an important, proactive step in addressing this barrier and facilitating positive change.” added Pete Wobschall Executive Director Green Venture.

QUICK FACTS

• This year, school boards will spend about $460 million on utility bills. 
• This investment will help lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce annual energy consumption by about 100 million megajoules per year, enough to power over 2,500 houses.
• Since 2003, the McGuinty government has invested $4.8 billion through the Good Places to Learn program. So far, almost 12,000 school renewal projects, which include replacing roofs, windows and boilers, are underway or completed across the province. 
• Certified EcoSchools use 12 per cent less electricity and 7 per cent less natural gas than comparable non-certified schools — there are 540 certified EcoSchools in Ontario. 

LEARN MORE 

• Find out more about the greening of Ontario’s schools. 
• Learn more about Ontario EcoSchools.

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For more information, please contact:

Sophia Aggelonitis, MPP
Hamilton Mountain
905-388-9734/416-314-7882

Ted McMeekin, MPP
Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale
905-690-6552