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(File Photo/paNOW Staff)
Infrastructure improvements

Local school division looking to cut energy costs

May 26, 2020 | 1:29 PM

Prince Albert Catholic Schools are getting some help to go green.

The division has been given $269,000 from the Climate Action Incentive Fund. The initiative is providing money to school divisions across Saskatchewan to help them reduce energy use and lower their greenhouse gas emissions. The fund is a collaboration between the provincial and federal governments.

Greg McEwen, chief financial officer for P.A. Catholic Schools said they are currently looking at what projects would bring the best value.

“The process is basically working internally with our facilities manager, he’s got a very good understanding of the facilities that we have and what our needs are,” he said.

McEwen added factors like the availability of contractors and supplies needed for the work could influence which projects are selected. The work as well has to be finished by the end of March next year, a deadline set by the federal government.

Possible projects could include installing LED lighting, replacing doors and windows or doing work on the exterior finishing of buildings. McEwen said at this point they are not sure how many projects they will be doing with the funds.

“I don’t know for sure whether it will be one major project or multiple,” he said.

McEwen briefed the board of education on the process at Monday evening’s meeting. He explained administration is planning to present their plans to the board next month for approval.

Currently schools are closed until at least September. McEwen said not having people in the buildings could help in the process.

“That has a potential for moving projects [forward] sooner rather than later,” he said.

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn

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