Winnipeg, MB — Gordon Bell High School, located in Winnipeg, is undergoing a deep energy retrofit to reduce operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
The $4.8 million project is expected to reduce the school’s natural gas consumption by 71 per cent and the school’s energy use by 51 per cent.
“Winnipeg is a hub for green innovation and climate action. Today’s announcement is a great example for students in the community and across Manitoba. Gordon Bell High School’s leadership should be applauded. I am proud that we delivered this nearly $5 million federal investment to the school, which will go a long way to reduce the school’s energy costs for years ahead,” said Terry Duguid, parliamentary secretary to the prime minister and special advisor for water and member of parliament for Winnipeg South.
Buildings are Canada’s third-largest emitter of greenhouse gas emissions; over 96 per cent of building emissions come from space and water heating, reports Statistics Canada. Choosing alternatives to fossil-fuel heating equipment, such as electric heat pumps, will help Canada achieve its net-zero commitments by 2050.
The project will also see the development of a Retrofit Guide, a reference which will share insights supporting the adoption of energy-saving approaches in schools across Manitoba and Canada.
The province of Manitoba has received funding for this project through Natural Resources Canada’s Energy Efficient Buildings program. This program previously provided $160,200 for the engineering design study for this retrofit.