Students in two Essex County high schools will soon have better, greener and more energy-efficient places to learn.

Through the installation of green technology, Ontario’s Green Schools Pilot Initiative will help over 150 schools in 40 school boards become greener and more energy-efficient. The $20 million investment will benefit students and local businesses which will showcase their innovative green technologies, and support Ontario’s green economy.

In the riding of Essex, this means that two schools will soon be more energy efficient through the following pilot projects:

· The Greater Essex County District School Board is working with ARISE Technologies to pilot a Solar Thermal and Electric project at Sandwich Secondary School and;

· The Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board is working with Viessmann Manufacting Company Inc. to pilot a Solar Thermal and Electric project at St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic High School.

This investment supports Ontario’s Innovation Agenda and is part of Ontario’s efforts to reduce environmental footprints in its publicly funded schools, making them better places for students to learn and succeed in the future. Work on these projects is expected to begin shortly.

“This investment will save school boards in Essex County money by reducing energy bills and will support jobs in Ontario’s new green economy by using local companies and their innovative technologies.”

- Bruce Crozier, MPP for Essex

“Investing in more energy efficient schools promotes better, greener learning environments and helps teach our students the importance of energy conservation.”

– Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Education

· This initiative is being supported through a partnership between the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Research and Innovation.

· In April 2009, Ontario invested $550 million to help over 1,000 schools become more energy efficient, creating and sustaining over 5,500 jobs.

· Since 2003, the McGuinty government has supported 13,000 school renewal projects, which include replacing roofs, windows and boilers.

LEARN MORE

· Find out more about the greening of Ontario’s schools.

· Read the government’s vision for education.

· Learn more about Ontario’s Innovation Agenda.

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For more information:
Bruce Crozier, MPP
(519) 776-6420