Five Calgary schools partner to launch first-of-its-kind solar initiative
Solar projects on schools will generate revenue and learning opportunities for students
CALGARY, Dec. 3, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, Bullfrog Power, Canada's leading green energy provider, and the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) are officially unveiling the "Good Day Sunshine" solar initiative, five new solar installations on elementary schools throughout Calgary. The 10 kW solar systems sit atop the Senator Patrick Burns School, Chinook Park School, Dr. E.W. Coffin School, Highwood School and Midnapore School. Combined, the solar installations will generate 1,340 MWh of clean, renewable power annually. The funds created by the panels will be directed toward educational programming that teaches students about the benefits of conservation and renewable energy.
The installations are made possible through funding from the Alberta government as well as significant contributions from the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) Board of Trustees and Bullfrog Power's community of 10,000 homes and 1,500 businesses across Canada, all of whom pay a premium to green their energy. Every month, a portion of this premium goes toward funding community-based green energy projects through Bullfrog's Community Renewable Projects Program.
Driven by a desire to promote sustainability and environmental awareness, the schools each pursued solar panels for their schools. All of the schools have active student environment clubs and dedicated teachers willing to push environmental initiatives.
"Through the installations, students are able to directly participate in the generation of clean, renewable power for their neighbourhoods," says Ron Seftel, CEO, Bullfrog Power. "Not only are they helping to put green energy on the Alberta grid, and clean the environment – they are getting to experience first-hand the value and pride that goes along with giving back to one's community."
The projects will help green Alberta's electricity grid by displacing approximately 850 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. Currently, Alberta's electricity system is largely powered by fossil fuels—with 47% of electricity generation coming from coal and 40% coming from natural gas.
"The students and teachers behind the Good Day Sunshine solar project are grateful for the support provided by the CBE Board of Trustees and Bullfrog Power in realizing their goal of promoting energy literacy and living sustainably," says Earl Badger, Environmental Projects
Co-ordinator, Calgary Board of Education. "As the energy manager for CBE, I am also thrilled to integrate the renewable energy into our growing portfolio of carbon-free generation assets."
As part of its work as a social enterprise, Bullfrog Power has supported more than 140 green energy projects nationwide through its Community Renewable Projects Program. In Alberta, Bullfrog Power has helped fund solar panels on the Banff Community High School and on the Oilfields Hockey Arena in the Town of Black Diamond. Bullfrog also supported an innovative solar park—the first of its kind in Canada—in the Town of Vulcan, Alberta. In addition to thousands of local homeowners, many local businesses in Calgary support Bullfrog Power (and therefore they supported this project), including Eight Ounce Coffee, MAXgreen Windows and Doors and Sunnyside Market.
About Bullfrog Power
Bullfrog Power, Canada's leading green energy provider, offers renewable energy solutions that enable individuals and businesses to reduce their environmental impact, support the development of green energy projects in Canada and help create a cleaner, healthier world. As a Certified B Corporation, Bullfrog Power meets higher standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Thousands of individuals and businesses in Canada are doing their part to address climate change and air pollution by choosing green energy with Bullfrog Power.
Join the bullfrogpowered community online on Facebook (facebook.com/BullfrogPower), Instagram (@bullfrogpower) and Twitter (@bullfrogpower).
SOURCE Bullfrog Power
Contact Calgary Board of Education: Earl Badger, Environmental Projects Co-ordinator, 403.620.9749, [email protected]; Contact Bullfrog Power: Suha Jethalal, Vice President, Consumer Sales and Marketing, 416.360.3464 x240, [email protected]
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