Dear Minister Singh and the Climate Action Secretariat,
Subject: Funding CleanBC Goals and Increase Capital Funding to Retrofit Existing
Buildings & Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
At the British Columbia School Trustees Association’s 2024 annual general meeting, our
members representing all 60 boards of education in B.C. passed the following resolutions:
“That the BCSTA requests that the Ministry of Education and Child Care and the Ministry
of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, develop a provincially-funded plan, in
collaboration with boards of education, to achieve the CleanBC goals.”
“That the BCSTA advocate to the Ministry of Education and Child Care and Ministry of
Environment and Climate Change Strategy to increase capital funding for retrofitting of
existing buildings in order to ensure school districts are able to meet their 2030
Greenhouse Gas emission targets as required by BC’s Climate Change Accountability
Act.”
Boards of education across B.C. are dedicated to fulfilling CleanBC goals, but consistent
obstacles related to funding and planning are slowing their progress. On behalf of our members,
the BCSTA is calling on the Ministry of Education and Child Care and the Ministry of
Environment and Climate Change Strategy to create a provincially funded plan that actively
involves boards of education in reaching these targets. Additionally, we are advocating for
increased capital funding specifically for retrofitting existing school buildings. This work is critical
for school districts to meet the 2030 greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets set by B.C.’s
Climate Change Accountability Act.
Sustainability is a necessity for the future well-being of students and communities, and school
districts must be part of a comprehensive effort to address climate change. BCSTA recognizes
that increased funding from the ministry totalling over 13 million over the past year for the Bus
Acquisition and Carbon Neutral Capital programs will provide significant assistance. The
association also appreciates that School Enhancement Program funding and Annual Facility
Grant funding may be utilized to address energy efficiency concerns in existing buildings.
However, fully addressing these concerns demands careful financial planning across all
districts, and many are feeling the strain of this additional responsibility despite these supports.
The 2022 Climate Change Accountability Report highlighted that 80% of GHG emissions from
B.C.’s 60 school districts stem from school buildings. To meet legally required GHG reductions
without compromising student services, school districts urgently need targeted provincial
funding for retrofitting projects. Boards of education are committed to addressing these goals,
and the BCSTA’s Capital Working Group has outlined key recommendations in the enclosed
report, which includes 11 climate change strategies that support the need for immediate action.
We appreciate your attention to this pressing issue and look forward to your support in helping
school districts meet these requirements.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Broady
President
British Columbia School Trustees Association
Advocacy: Funding CleanBC Goals and Increase Capital Funding for Retrofits
