Kwantlen News

For immediate release

March 27, 2008

Kwantlen University College: Leader in energy efficiency

(SURREY, B.C.) As a BC Hydro Power Smart Certified Energy Efficiency Leader, Kwantlen University College has committed to a new energy reduction target of a 45 per cent reduction in electricity use and a 25 per cent reduction in natural gas use by 2010 from 2000 levels. The previous electricity reduction target of 35 per cent has been surpassed with energy conservation measures avoiding over $2.1-million in energy and maintenance from 2000 to 2006.

"Kwantlen's Facilities staffs’ success in reducing greenhouse gas emissions is commendable and their leadership in this field should be an inspiration to all North American institutions and industries,” remarked Skip Triplett, president of Kwantlen University College. “They have shown what creativity and perseverance will achieve."

All construction projects at Kwantlen meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold or better standards with two of the three new buildings at the Surrey campus using geothermal energy and natural ventilation for heating and cooling. The award winning, Trades and Technology Centre in Cloverdale which opened in April 2007 has recently received an Award of Merit from the Consulting Engineers of British Columbia (CEBC) and the 2007 Wood Design Award of Merit.

Kwantlen’s past and present achievements and ongoing dedication to energy efficiency have made it one of only two post-secondary institutions and one of nine B.C. organizations who have received BC Hydro’s certification honour, recognizing Kwantlen’s leadership in energy efficiency and sustainable resource use in the post-secondary sector.

"Kwantlen has achieved and will continue to achieve its reduction targets by our commitment to continuous improvement which includes a consistent effort in the proper management of our social and natural environment," remarked Karen Hearn, Director of Facilities at Kwantlen University College.

Since the beginning, Kwantlen University College has been developing and improving its sustainability practices. Since the early 1990’s when Kwantlen was first developing the Surrey and Richmond Campuses, facilities were built to high standards of energy efficiency and received Power Smart recognition for design. Kwantlen University College was one of the first post-secondary educational institutions to join the federal government’s Energy Innovators Initiative and registered with CSA Climate Change – Greenhouse Gas Registries (GHGH) in 1995.

In 2003, Kwantlen received the Leadership Award under the Colleges and Universities sector for outstanding environmental efforts and for being the top Canadian post-secondary institution in “going green.”

Kwantlen’s Trades and Technology Centre in Cloverdale’s building orientation and landscaping were developed to optimize energy performance of the building. For example, the building’s design included a waste management plan that recycled and salvaged 75 per cent of construction waste and 50 per cent of the building materials were manufactured locally. Additionally, a portion of the building’s electrical energy is supplied by renewable resources and the campus utilizes environmentally friendly and non-toxic cleaning chemicals, continuing Kwantlen’s practice of green housekeeping.

A key feature to Kwantlen’s sustainability and resource management plan involves a commitment to developing and implementing a formalized and ongoing reporting program. Kwantlen University College reports have been awarded Gold or Silver Reporting Status, achieving as much as 98 out of 100 points in analysis of our reporting framework by the GHG Registries.

Kwantlen University College's mission is to create an exceptional undergraduate university environment committed to preparing learners for leadership, service and success. Kwantlen became a university college with degree granting status in 1995; and has a mandate to develop and offer baccalaureate degrees that will prepare students for well paid, fulfilling careers.

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For more information, contact:

Karen Hearn
Director, Facilities
Tel: 604.599.2442
karen.hearn@kwantlen.ca

Audrey Wang
Manager, Communications
Tel: 604.599.2385
audrey.wang@kwantlen.ca