CaGBC joins BC government for CleanBC Government Buildings Program announcement in Prince George, BC
PRINCE GEORGE -- Many government buildings will become smarter and more energy efficient in an effort to tackle climate change, thanks to the Province's new CleanBC Government
"The B.C. government is leading by example and walking the talk when it comes to building a
better future for British Columbians," said Jinny Sims, Minister of Citizens' Services. "The new CleanBC Government Buildings Program will help government facilities consume less energy, reduce emissions, create local jobs and save British Columbians money."
Through a combination of energy efficiency, innovative design and renewable building energy
systems, the rolling five-year plan will transition courthouses, correctional centres, warehouses
and ministry offices into facilities that are 80% more energy efficient by 2050.
The program is part of CleanBC, the Province's plan to use more clean and renewable energy,
reduce climate pollution and create opportunities for people and businesses around B.C.
"The CleanBC Government Building Program is yet another way we're helping the province
meet its climate commitments and showing what's possible when it comes to cleaner, better
buildings," said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. "We're
raising efficiency standards for new construction and renovations, and providing rebates for
people and businesses to help with energy-saving upgrades. This is part of our CleanBC plan to
improve the buildings where we live and — work across B.C."
Sims announced the program at the Prince George Downtown Renewable Energy System,
which uses biomass to heat 10 area buildings. The Prince George Law Courts emit 30% less
greenhouse gases after connecting to the system in 2018. Under the program, the courthouse
will also receive a new electric vehicle charging station, lighting improvements and retrofits to
the heating and ventilation system.
The Province is investing $58 million over the next five years to improve at provincial
government buildings, including:
- switching from fossil fuel to clean and renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, biomass and hydropower;
- using smart technologies to conserve energy, such as Wi-Fi building sensors to regulate lighting and real-time data displays;
- installing electric vehicle charging stations;
- undertaking energy retrofits in existing buildings, such as replacing heating systems and upgrading lighting;
- building new energy-efficient facilities, using green design and innovative technologies;
- making buildings more resilient to climate change by relocating and reinforcing equipment to protect against possible floods and wind, installing more HVAC systems and exterior drainage; and creating flexible and modern work environments to support a growing mobile workforce.
"Today's announcement by the Government of B.C. is a great example of what can be achieved
when local and provincial governments work together," said Lyn Hall, mayor of Prince George.
"The city showed leadership seven years ago when it established a downtown energy system
that supports local industry and business, which greatly reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Today, this system is the single greatest contributor to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from
the city. Government has already documented savings of natural gas and carbon offsets worth
more than $100,000 from having just two of its buildings connected."
Along with reducing carbon pollution, the program also supports job creation and continued
innovation in the building and technology sectors.
"The Canada Green Building Council commends British Columbia's CleanBC Government
Buildings Program, which provides a path towards meeting its climate targets," said Thomas
Mueller, president and CEO of Canada Green Building Council. "To reduce greenhouse gases on
the scale needed to meet international targets, Canada urgently needs to retrofit existing
buildings. With this plan, the B.C. government is demonstrating leadership by p