Students Challenge Businesses to Save Energy

VICTORIA, BC –A team of University of Victoria students is challenging businesses in the capital region to save energy in their buildings. They are one of eight student groups competing in the Capital Regional District’s ‘Ready, Set, Solve Challenge’ to develop winning solutions to local climate and energy issues.

“I congratulate these University of Victoria students for leading this challenge for Victoria businesses to be more energy efficient,” said Rich Coleman Minister of Energy and Mines. “Local businesses can save thousands of dollars in equipment and energy costs by taking the challenge and getting a free energy assessment through the LiveSmart BC: Small Business Program.”

“We wanted to get involved in a project that provided win-win solutions, which is why we chose this small business challenge,” explains student team member Kira Stevenson. “Saving energy is something that not only protects the environment, but also helps businesses improve their bottom line, and that’s something we hope to get people excited about.”

Volunteering with City Green Solutions, a local non-profit energy efficiency organization, Emily Hillier, Kira Stevenson, and Jon Carr have been hitting the pavement visiting local small businesses and letting them know about the LiveSmart BC: Small Business Program, which provides free business energy assessments to identify areas where businesses can save energy and to let them know about financial incentives to help with lighting and other upgrades.

"We want to encourage at least 25 local businesses to sign up for their free energy assessment before the end of semester. If we can reach our goal, we could win the Ready, Set, Solve challenge, which gives scholarships to the top team,” Emily Hillier explained.

The LiveSmart BC: Small Business Program in the CRD is a partnership between the Westshore Chamber of Commerce, the Capital Regional District, the BC and Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Associations, LiveSmart BC, and City Green Solutions. Businesses in the capital region with an annual electricity bill less than $50,000 are eligible for free business energy assessments. To sign up, contact 250.478.1130 or chamber@westshore.bc.ca or for details see: www.westshore.bc.ca/livesmartbc. Mention the students when you register to help them meet their goal.