Supporting Programs That Benefit Children and Families

Pilot Program Encourages Students to Save Energy

HotShots, a pilot project designed to improve students’ awareness of energy and conservation, was launched today at C.C. Loughlin Elementary in Corner Brook. This project, which includes a Provincial Government investment of $200,000 over two years, is a joint initiative between the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and the Office of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency.

“Recognizing that climate change is a challenging, long-term issue, our government is launching this new pilot project that targets schools and school-age children throughout the province. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation in Schools Pilot Project, called HotShots, helps students learn how to save energy both at home and in school through classroom presentations, teaching resources and learning materials. The new Department of Education and Early Childhood Development was created to put more focus on early learning and this project is an example of our commitment to give our children the best start possible.”
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development

The project is being completed as part of the 2011 Energy Efficiency Action Plan, which contains 40 different commitments for economy-wide action on energy efficiency. It builds upon successes to date towards increasing awareness of energy efficiency and conservation, such as government’s Turn Back the Tide campaign, which was launched in 2012 to highlight climate change and energy efficiency.

“In our government’s Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Action Plan, we committed to demonstrating solid leadership on both climate change and energy efficiency. Saving energy benefits everyone by protecting the environment and tackling climate change, while at the same time saving money by lowering energy costs. The idea behind Hotshots is engaging our brightest, most dynamic asset, our young people. We want to teach them the importance of saving energy and inspire them to be agents for change.”
- The Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Environment and Conservation and Minister Responsible for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency

HotShots focuses on providing educational resources for students and teachers that can be used in the classroom, including information packs for all schools and a web portal with curriculum-based resources.

Through the HotShots pilot program, the Provincial Government has partnered with Newfoundland Power and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, who currently offer presentations to students in Kindergarten to Grade 6 as part of their takeCHARGE program. As a result of this partnership, these presentations will be delivered in twice as many schools as previous years and will be made available in French for the first time. As a result of this partnership, two contests will also be launched – one for students in Kindergarten to Grade 6 and another for Grades 7-12 students.

“We are delighted to be part of this educational initiative that will help the students of today become the energy efficiency ambassadors of tomorrow. By working together, even small changes in our homes can add up to big energy savings that benefit our customers and the environment over the long term.”
- Gary Smith, President & CEO, Newfoundland Power

Since 2004, the Provincial Government has invested almost $550,000 in C.C. Loughlin Elementary for repairs and maintenance, including roofing and electrical upgrades. The Provincial Government is committed to taking a leadership role in promoting energy efficiency and is committed to ensuring schools get the upgrades needed to operate efficiently by investing in school infrastructure.

“Students and children are the future of Newfoundland and Labrador. They are open to adopting new technologies and initiatives that make this province a better place to live. The students at C.C. Loughlin will bring the knowledge they learn from the HotShots program home, teach it to their parents and grandparents thus enacting change through energy efficiency and conservation in an even larger scope.”
- The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and MHA for Humber West

For more information about the Energy Efficiency and Conservation in Schools Pilot Project, please see: www.hotshotnl.ca .

QUICK FACTS

• The Energy Efficiency and Conservation in Schools Pilot Program, HotShots, is designed to improve students’ awareness of energy efficiency and conservation and encourage them to be agents of change in their own environment.
• HotShots is being offered in collaboration with Newfoundland Power and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro who currently offer their takeCHARGE program to K-6 students throughout the province.
• The HotShots program is being piloted at 50 sites throughout the province, while Newfoundland Power and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro will continue to offer the takeCHARGE program at a minimum of 50 K-6 schools province-wide.
• Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook, provided approximately $9.3 million into energy conservation and environmental protection.

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2014 10 10                                                                                      10:40 a.m.