COWICHAN VALLEY – The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) has reduced energy consumption by 19% and continues to achieve carbon neutral operations for 2016.
Through the implementation of the Strategic Energy Management Plan (SEMP) the CVRD continues to identify and implement energy saving projects to reduce energy consumption which ultimately leads to lower energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Since the start of the SEMP in 2012, avoided energy costs have equalled $737,000 and greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced by over 500 tCO2e.
“The investment in improving the efficiency of our existing infrastructure is paying off,” explains CVRD Chair Jon Lefebure. “Not only is the CVRD able to reduce the impact of rising electricity rates, but we are showing leadership on the climate action front.”
Some of the key projects to date include major upgrades to the mechanical and electrical systems at Island Savings Centre and Kerry Park Recreation Centre, switching oil furnaces to heat pumps at community and fire halls, and a solar PV demonstration project at Bing Creek Recycling Centre.
