Dal’s got gas
Posted Feb 14, 2011 10:58:04 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Dalhousie is the latest Halifax university to make the conversion to natural gas as it aims to be more environmentally friendly, an endevour the province is paying for in part.
The province is using $1.4 million from the Gas Market Development Fund to pay for equipment and installation for the $1.8 million project.
“Our government’s energy strategy is to make greater use of natural gas,” said Energy Minister Charlie Parker, during a press conference at the university’s Computer Science Building, Monday.
“It is cleaner than any other fossil fuel option and it’s a local product. Increasing our use of natural gas reduces our reliance on imported energy supplies. It also employs Nova Scotians, improves our environment and strengthens our economy,” said Parker.
The conversion will not only cut operating costs, but eliminate sulfur, particulate emissions and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Ken Burt, Dalhousie’s vice-president of finance and administration, says the spinoffs are two-fold, with environment savings being only half the benefits.
“Dalhousie’s conversion to natural gas will reduce spending from the university’s operating budget, meaning a considerable cost savings to the university and ultimately to the students,” said Burt.
The university aims to decrease its 2008-09 greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent by 2020.
