Media Advisory - Grand Erie schools set shining example for community
greening efforts to Commemorate World Environment Day
BRANTFORD, ON, June 2 /CNW/ - Pauline Johnson Collegiate & Vocational School (PJC&VS) is pleased to invite the media and the public on June 8, 2010 to witness firsthand the dawn of a greener, cleaner era for Grand Erie schools. The event marks the official launch of the Board's new solar-energy program.
Grand Erie is both one of the first school boards, and the largest board to date in Canada, to retrofit its rooftops with solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. In partnership with Ameresco Canada Inc., the Board's longtime school-renewal and green-energy partner, Grand Erie is preparing to further reduce its carbon footprint through the Ontario Power Authority's Feed-in Tariff (OPA FIT) program. It is anticipated that 23 selected schools will provide enough solar energy to power approximately 385 homes annually, while generating revenue for the Board, which will then be used to support student achievement.
Grand Erie, has a long-term commitment to employing "green" practices, and continually promotes conservation practices throughout the system and in the community. Students and staff already help to reduce energy and water waste: they also recycle, compost and actively participate in Earth Hour and other environmentally-focused activities. The June 8 date for the event was timed to celebrate World Environment Day, which takes place on June 5.
The benefits of solar power go beyond providing a guaranteed revenue stream by offering an educational component and other community benefits.
Event Details When: June 8, 2010, 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Where: Pauline Johnson Collegiate & Vocational School (Cafeteria) 627 Colborne St. E, Brantford, ON N3S 1A1 Who: Speakers include student MCs Jonathan Jorna and Chris Rosevear; Jim Wibberley, Director of Education; Anthony Da Silva, Chief Operating Officer, Ameresco Canada; Ben Chin, VP Communications, Ontario Power Authority; and invited dignitaries, including local politicians. Special guests, students, staff, parents, partners, members of the community and the media are invited to attend. What: Media Conference to launch the largest approved solar- panel partnership in Canada; Grand Erie Green Policy update and evidence of environmental action Media Q & A: 9:40 a.m., in the cafeteria following the speeches Phone: Tony Iavarone, 519-756-6306, ext. 281147. [email protected]
For further information: For more information on this event, contact Tony Iavarone, Manager, Communications & Community Relations, Grand Erie District School Board, 349 Erie Avenue, Brantford, ON, N3T 5V3, (519) 756-6306, ext. 281147, Fax: (519) 756-9181, Cell: (519) 732-1005, Toll-free: 1-888-548-8878, [email protected], www.granderie.ca; For more information on solar energy in schools, contact Craig Piercey, Vice President, Marketing & Business Development Services, Ameresco Canada Inc. toll-free at 1-888-483-7267 or email [email protected], English: http://www.ameresco.ca/en/green-solar.html, Français: http://www.ameresco.ca/fr/green-solar.html
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