Students at Charles Hays Secondary will benefit from cleaner air and more efficient heating, thanks to a $350,000 investment from the Province and school district, announced Minister of Education Margaret MacDiarmid.

"These upgrades put student learning first while providing a more environmentally sound learning space with improved air quality and heating efficiency," said MacDiarmid. "School districts will be able to keep more funds focused on learning through the cost savings the upgrades will bring."

Charles Hays Secondary school will receive electric boilers to replace the existing atmospheric boilers. Digital controls will be installed to control and monitor the new system. The estimated carbon footprint reduction is 33 per cent or 152 tonnes per year due to increased efficiency.

"The Province is working with communities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by helping them move towards using cleaner, more efficient heating systems," said John Yap, Minister of State for Climate Action. "Making our schools models for progressive environmental practices not only helps save on energy costs, but will help us reach our goal of being carbon- neutral in 2010."

The Province is funding up to $500,000 for specific projects. Qualifying Interior and northern school districts are making a minimum matching investment of 50 per cent of the total project budget. Boards may invest additional funds to support local upgrades.

"This new system for Charles Hay Secondary will contribute to a more comfortable learning environment for teachers and students," said Prince Rupert board chair Tina Last. "And the district welcomes the cost savings these efficient new systems generate."

The project is part of an investment by the Province and school districts to improve energy and air quality in Interior and northern B.C. schools. This investment is part of a $20 million initiative that is expected to create up to 128 direct jobs as part of the Province's $14-billion public infrastructure program. Through Budget 2010, the Province is also providing $110 million to school districts across B.C. for annual facilities grants.

Since 2001, the Province has spent more than $1.7 billion to complete 80 new and replacement schools, 148 additions, 26 renovation projects and 22 site acquisitions across B.C. All new and replacement schools have been constructed to meet the latest seismic standards. By the end of 2010-11, the Province will have committed more than $3.9 billion in school capital and maintenance projects across B.C.