Switch to Natural Gas Supports Dalhousie's Sustainability Plan

The province is helping Dalhousie University reduce its carbon footprint and emissions by supporting its switch to natural gas.

The conversion from heating oil is part of the university's climate change plan for a sustainable campus and is funded, in part, by the Gas Market Development Fund.

The switch to natural gas eliminates sulfur and particulate emissions and will significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions and will provide Heritage Gas with a large customer in south end Halifax.

"I commend Dalhousie for taking the initiative to reduce emissions," said Energy Minister Charlie Parker. "This will also help expand the gas distribution network in Nova Scotia and that is exactly what the Gas Market Development Fund was set up to do."

"The use of locally produced natural gas creates jobs, grows our economy and improves the environment, making life better for Nova Scotians."

By converting to natural gas, the university is saving money and improving air quality.

"Dalhousie is an environmental leader, committed to sustainability and clean energy initiatives in our community," said Ken Burt, vice-president of finance and administration, Dalhousie University.

"The generous support provided by the province combined with the efforts of our project partners made the transition to natural gas a smooth one for Dalhousie. We believe this conversion will immediately benefit the province, the city and our neighbours."

Heritage Gas is continually expanding its distribution network with the addition of larger customers such as Dalhousie. Saint Mary's and Mount Saint Vincent have already switched to natural gas. Over time, natural gas will be more accessible for residents and businesses.

"We are very pleased that Dalhousie University has converted to natural gas, making the university our largest customer," said Jim Bracken, president of Heritage Gas.

"Dalhousie will eliminate over 12,000 tonnes of green house gas emissions, equivalent to the removal of 2,400 vehicles from our roads by using natural gas."

The Gas Market Development Fund was established with funding from the Sable Offshore Energy Producers. The province is contributing about $1.4 million to the university for equipment and installation. The project cost is estimated at $1.8 million.

For more information about Dalhousie's plan for climate change, visit http://office.sustainability.dal.ca/ .