FREDERICTON (GNB) – Five schools in the province will receive a total of $2 million to help reduce energy costs and emissions that cause climate change.

Among the projects, Priestman Street School in Fredericton will receive $647,000 to install energy recovery ventilators and modernize building controls; Woodstock High School will receive $520,000 to improve ventilation control systems and its building envelope; and École Sainte-Anne in Fredericton will receive $500,000 to upgrade its heating system and ventilation control systems. Carleton North High School in Florenceville-Bristol and Terry Fox Elementary School in Bathurst also received funds to complete projects.

“The provincial government welcomes tangible, cost-effective projects that prioritize the environment,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Jill Green. “Increasing energy efficiency in our schools is environmentally responsible and supports our commitment to increase green infrastructure.”

The funding from the Climate Action Incentive Fund was provided to the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure , which worked with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development to distribute the funding to school districts and schools.

“Students are learning about climate change and the importance of protecting our environment,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Dominic Cardy. “By increasing the energy efficiency of our schools, we are setting an example for our students on how we can take concrete actions to help reduce greenhouse gases while producing savings.”

The funding comes from the proceeds from the federal carbon pollution pricing system, which invests in projects that reduce carbon pollution, save money and create jobs. The program was launched in May 2019 and returns the proceeds from carbon pollution pricing to the jurisdictions from which they were collected.

“Students are champions at taking climate action and coming up with initiatives to help their homes, schools and communities cut pollution, reduce waste, and protect nature,” said federal Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc. “They will benefit from cleaner and more energy-efficient classrooms thanks to the revenues from the price on pollution. This investment will help us fight climate change and create job opportunities for local workers in Florenceville, Bathurst, Fredericton, and Woodstock.”

LeBlanc made the announcement on behalf of Environment and Climate Change Minister Jonathan Wilkinson.