Since inception Kwantlen has been an active and creative leader in developing a sustainable world and our resource management has always been an integral part of that role. Twenty years ago we adopted a policy on waste management and the environment committing to 5 R's:

   Reduced Consumption   

   Reusable Products

   Recycling 

   Reclaiming (materials and energy) from Waste 

   Replacement of environmentally harmful products

The energy conservation projects we have implemented have resulted in significant and ongoing cost avoidance for energy expenses and reductions in our greenhouse gas emissions.  Our total cost avoidance for energy from 2000 to 2011 is estimated to be $2,712,262. Considering our total energy consumption for calendar year 2011 was $1,265,112 this is a significant level of cost avoidance as it roughly translates to two of the last ten years energy being free.

Green Buildings - Pilot Project

Our pilot energy efficiency project started in 2001 and completed by late 2002. This was a pilot project for the province of BC under the "Green Building Initiative".  The cost of the project was $1.4 million dollars and was paid for entirely from energy savings.

Key Project Elements:

• Lower energy consumption reduces our impact on the environment.
• Less susceptibility to future energy price increases (risk management).
• Created significant employment in $1.4 Million project, mostly local economy.
• Sought and obtained over $300,000 in Provincial/Federal funding.
• First pilot for Provincial Green Building Initiative & helped develop guidelines
• Repaired a chronic heating problem of one campus.
• Improved parking lot safety with better/brighter lighting.
• New mechanical controls give improved occupant comfort.
• New lighting improves user comfort.
• New heating systems (Horticultural) increased student learning opportunities.

Over a million dollars in energy cost savings every three years - unadjusted for inflation. There are also many 'hidden' savings.

As an example, more efficient lighting systems not only save energy but also:

• Reduced the number of lamps on campus. These lamps are forever out of the system, and don't have to be purchased &reinstalled every 5 to 6 years.
• Stacked end-to-end the (over 7,000) lamps we permanently removed would be as high as Mount Everest.

When the project was completed (Pilot Project Case Study - 2003) we prepared a case study to share our experience with others and to serve as a resource.