GUELPH – Sam Stevenson hopes the Upper Grand District School Board will consider using electric heat pump heating when it builds a new high school in the south end of Guelph.
Stevenson delegated to the board at its April 25 meeting and noted the board intends to use a conventional gas system to heat the school.
“I’m asking you to ask staff to financially analyze the up-front and long-term cost of 100% electric heat pump heating versus gas, and to pause awarding the tender until it is decided,” Stevenson said at the meeting.
“If the school gets built without fossil fuel infrastructure at the time of construction, it will be the first in Canada.”
It’s not just for bragging rights, Stevenson said – it will help the school board reach its emission reduction targets and the City of Guelph reach theirs.
He also noted the board is introducing air source heat pump technology at John F. Ross CVI and Eramosa Public School.
“Don’t counter that good work by adding fossil fuel heating in Arkell,” he said. “Heat pumps can also cool in the summer.”
Board chair Ralf Mesenbrin, drew attention to a report on the board’s sustainability plan that was discussed later in the meeting.
That report, by executive superintendent of business operations and support services Glen Regier, points out the board’s three-pronged approach to reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions: conservation, renewable energy sources and environmental adaption.
The heat pump technology at the two identified schools should reduce CO2 emission by 60,000kg, it states.
The board has solar panels at 45 schools, solar air at three and solar water at one.
It is replacing all its lighting, over time, with LED lights for further energy savings.
“New construction projects will incorporate sustainable energy solutions pending available technology and funding capacity,” Regier wrote.
In a follow-up phone interview, Stevenson said he understands school boards can’t raise taxes and energy efficiency can have some steep up-front costs.
“But there are potential cost saving too. That’s why they need to do the analysis,” he said.
Stevenson added he was pleased to see air-source heat pumps are being installed in two schools.
“It demonstrates the board and staff are familiar with this technology, have vendor experience, and are thus well prepared to financially analyze the up-front and long-term cost of heat pump versus gas heating for the high school coming to Guelph,” he said.
In an email, communications manager Heather Loney said trustees will have to pass a motion directing staff to do the analysis if it is to happen.
“Board staff and trustees have heard the requests from the delegation,” Loney said.
“When a report on the status of the South Guelph high school comes to the finance and facilities committee, trustees will see more details of the design and estimated costs and expected provincial funding at this design stage.
“At that time there may or may not be a motion from the trustees.”
