FORTISBC
Carbon capture reduces greenhouse gas emissions and saves money for Surrey school
FortisBC's carbon capture program advances Southridge School's sustainability efforts

FortisBC Energy Inc. (FortisBC) invests in innovative ways to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions including small-scale carbon capture technology to decrease GHG emissions and save energy for commercial customers. The most recent carbon capture unit was installed this week (April 4) at Southridge School in South Surrey.

"Our goal is to ensure our customers have access to technologies that can lower greenhouse gas emissions in sustainable and affordable ways," said Bea Bains, manager, energy products and services at FortisBC. "As part of our pilot program, Southridge School was able to take advantage of FortisBC rebates to help offset the purchase of a carbon capture unit."

The unit attaches to a natural gas boiler or hot water tank and captures carbon dioxide emissions, which would otherwise be vented into the atmosphere, and turns them into potassium carbonate, a versatile mineral and solid byproduct used in making pharmaceuticals and soap as well as, manufacturing glass. The unit also saves energy by capturing heat and redistributing it for heating needs around the building.

The carbon capture process can allow commercial customers to reduce up to 5,400 kilograms of CO2 reduction per unit per year.¹ The technology can also decrease energy consumption by up to 10 per cent, depending on the boiler, hot water tank, or furnace size.

"Southridge School is committed to being an active and contributing steward of the environment and the installation of the carbon capture unit is an exciting step towards this goal," said Drew Stephens, Head of School at Southridge. "The unit will help us save energy, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and provide a valuable learning opportunity for our K-12 students. Our school community is extremely grateful to FortisBC for helping to make this a reality for us."

FortisBC invests approximately 3.5 million every year in piloting new technologies to help British Columbians save money and lower GHG emissions. Southridge School is the seventh location to receive a carbon capture unit in the Lower Mainland through FortisBC's pilot program. 

For more information about carbon capture or to participate in the pilot program, visit: fortisbc.com/carboncapture.

¹2,905 kg of carbon emissions per unit per year through heat recovery and direct capture, and 5,400 kg of CO2 reduction per unit per year based on a lifecycle analysis provided from University of British Columbia.

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