From the aboriginal-inspired architecture, to the solar photovoltaic system installed on the roof, the newly expanded St. Mary's Hospital in Sechelt, BC, provides patients and staff with a vibrant link to the surrounding natural landscape. According to a press release sent out in the spring for the hospital's reopening, members of the Sechelt Indian Band [...]
Princess Margaret School in Surrey sits a little taller under the sun after a student-led installation of a roof-top solar photovoltaic system, which will offset electricity costs and lower carbon emissions. The idea for the system began two years ago by the Grade 10 Environmental Club, who set to work raising the necessary funds, with a [...]
While the solar PV system at Sk'aavgaa naay Elementary School in Skidegate, on Haida Gwaii has only been installed for just over a month, the savings are already accumulating. Environmental equivalents achieved include enough energy to power a TV for 14,706 hours, or to power 16 computers for one year. Total greenhouse gases avoided to [...]
BC Hydro will likely increase their rates in the very near future, according to Energy Minister Bill Bennett in a recent Vancouver Sun article. According to the article, Bennett says rate hikes are inevitable due to necessary capital investments. In terms of renewable energy in BC, this means a more attractive return on investment. Right [...]
"Arbutus Bluff is now closer to the sun" states the Gabriola Island B&B's website, and it couldn't be more true with a solar hot water system reaping the rewards of summer sunshine. The system was installed three years ago to help decrease owner Bill and Liz's hydro bills. "As a B&B we use white sheets [...]
The Regional District of Nanaimo is plugging in with 12 electric vehicle charging stations around the region. Their planning grant was provided by the Community Charging Infrastructure Fund and Plug-In BC, which has been supporting a province-wide network of electric vehicle charging stations in 2012-2013. Electric vehicles (EVs) are not yet common on Vancouver Island," [...]
Homeowners on a rural property in Courtenay began building their dream home in 2009 and one of their renewable energy goals was to install a wind electric system. Good access to prevailing southeast and northwest winds made for a feasible wind site, with no land permitting required for their hobby farm. An electrical permit and [...]
We recently provided solar PV panels and oversaw a student install at Princess Margaret Secondary, in Surrey. The project was in partnership with BCIT's electrical apprenticeship program, allowing the high school students to gain university credit through the installation project. http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Surrey+high+school+solar+panels+shining+example+green+action+with+video/8452478/story.html
Welcome to Spring! It's great to see the sun out again, and feel the temperature warming up. We've had a busy few months, recently finishing up several solar electric installations with the Comox Valley Regional District. Read the story here... It's also time to start thinking about the cost-effective and highly efficient option of [...]
Tough Decision Ahead for Energy Challenge Judges (Originally published on Campbell River Website) Watch the Energy Challenge videos on YouTube After 30 days of conserving energy and sharing their journey with the rest of the community, five Campbell River families have finished BC’s first home energy video challenge. And now comes the tough part as [...]
