The Nova Scotia government is taking a step towards reducing it’s carbon footprint. 90 schools in the Halifax area will receive $34 million in funding over four years. The money will go towards 26 new natural gas boilers, improved lighting systems and new meter systems to help schools monitor energy levels.

Hammonds Plains-Upper Sackville MLA Mat Whynott made the announcement at Milwood High School Thursday morning.

“It’s estimated that these upgrades could reduce the school board’s greenhouse gas emissions up to 20 per cent,”
Whynott said during his speech. “To put that in context it’s like saving 36,000 trees or taking 1,500 cars off the road.”

The upgrades are projected to save the school board $2.3 million a year in energy and maintenance costs.

“The people at our board office are ecstatic,” said Interim Superintendent Judy White. “Because we actually get to see that by doing things differently we’re actually going to get money we can use in the best interest of all students.”      

Stephanie Quirke is a student at Milwood High and co-founder of the environmental club – she spoke at the announcement.

“Environmental issues are huge task to take on,” Quirke said “I think in seeing these changes we’re going to feel inspired to make change in our lifestyles and that’s what school’s all about.”

The money is a part of the Capital Plan for job creation in the province.