John Paul II becomes first self-sufficient carbon neutral school in Canada
John Paul II Catholic Secondary School in London, Ont. has become the first school in Canada to become energy self-sufficient and carbon neutral.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Tuesday for the official unveiling of the green mega project -- a collaboration of industry and government, and students themselves.
“We’re aware of what’s going on in the world and it’s amazing to really put our feet down and say we want better, we want better for our future generations,” said Grade 13 student Sarah Bedor, who was among the students who got hands-on experience working on the project. “We’re willing to commit to that, and so this project has shown.”A ribbon cutting ceremony for the official unveiling of the green mega project at John Paul II Secondary School, Nov. 2, 2021. (Bryan Bicknell / CTV News)From the roadway it looks like a giant carport, but it’s quite a bit more sophisticated. The project consists of 2,700 covered solar panels that generate 825 kilowatts of power.
Natural gas is no longer required to heat the school because the new system employs heat pumps to bring outside air in to heat or cool the school.
According to the London District Catholic School Board, the retrofit reduces greenhouse gas emissions to near zero and removes roughly 277 tonnes of carbon per year, “which not only makes it completely self sufficient, but also reduces baseline electricity costs by almost 70 per cent,” said Director of Education Vince Romeo.
Tesla energy storage system at John Paul II Catholic Secondary School in London, Ont., Nov. 2, 2021. (Bryan Bicknell / CTV News)Equipped with a Tesla energy storage system, the microgrid supplies energy to London Hydro and the provincial grid, according to Jim Fonger, VP of renewable energy firm Ameresco, the main industry partner involved in the project.
“It kind of lives in, we’ll call it a symbiotic nature with the local grid, in that sometimes it’s taking from it and sometimes it’s supporting it,” said Fonger. “But at all times the school actually gets what it needs.”
School Principal Peter Cassidy added, “It’s my understanding, that even in the early going, the system is working as efficiently or more, than it had been anticipated.”
The $9.7-million project was jointly funded by Ameresco and senior levels of government and is expected to pay for itself in about 25 years.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
LIVE UPDATES Multiple homes, businesses 'lost' to wildfire in Jasper National Park: Parks Canada
Officials from Parks Canada and Jasper say "multiple structures, including a number of businesses and homes, in and around the town of Jasper, have been lost" to wildfire in Jasper National Park.
Alberta premier says a third, perhaps half, of all Jasper buildings destroyed by fire
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says early reports indicate a third and perhaps up to half of all buildings in the historic Rocky Mountain resort town of Jasper have burned in a wildfire.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
Tourist suffers 3rd-degree burns to feet after losing flip flops amid soaring temperatures in Death Valley
A tourist was hospitalized after suffering serious burns on his feet on Saturday when he lost his flip flops at a U.S. national park where temperatures soared past 48 Celsius.
'There's mom and dad's house': New video appears to show destruction of Jasper neighbourhood
Video posted to social media on Thursday morning appears to show the charred remains of a Jasper, Alta., neighbourhood.
Former judge with disputed Cree heritage likely has Indigenous DNA: law society
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
Australian field hockey player opts to amputate part of his finger in order to compete in Paris Olympics
In the run up to the Paris Olympics, athletes have been stepping up their preparations in order to maintain their edge over competitors. But for Australia’s Matt Dawson, those preparations looked a little different this year, with the field hockey player opting to have part of his finger amputated in order to compete in the Games.
Canada to bring home fewest Olympic medals since 2012, according to forecaster
Fewer Canadians are expected to reach the Paris podium than in the previous two Olympic Summer Games, a global data analytics company predicts.
Jennifer Aniston criticizes JD Vance for 'childless cat ladies' remarks: 'I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children'
Jennifer Aniston is criticizing JD Vance for comments he made in his past about women without children.