A $27-million joint Canada-Nunavut investment will advance the low-carbon energy management project planned for 45 government buildings in six communities throughout the South Baffin region. Local construction trades are invited to submit tenders for the retrofit initiatives and renewable energy installations through the Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti portal of the Nunavut government website.

Joe Savikataaq, Premier of Nunavut and Minister of Environment, underscores the multiple benefits of creating jobs, supporting skills training, reducing energy costs and replacing diesel generation with low-carbon alternatives that improve air quality. The federal government’s $18.3-million share of the funding represents 59 per cent of the money allocated to Nunavut through the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund, aimed at reaching Canada’s target to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030.

“Canada’s North is disproportionately impacted by global warming,” Savikataaq observes. “We are happy to partner with the federal government to foster healthier communities in the territory.”

Iqaluit’s 29,000-square-foot federal and territorial service hub is slated for a retrofit. A range of measures for other buildings include LED lighting, water-saving fixtures and upgrades to building envelopes, mechanical systems and controls. On the renewable energy front, solar photovoltaic systems will be installed in nine buildings, while another gets a solar hot water system. Collectively, the upgrades are projected to deliver a cumulative reduction of 24,000 tonnes in GHG emissions over the life cycle of the buildings.

“We cannot stop the fight against climate change,” asserts Minister of Northern Affairs Daniel Vandal. “Northern Canadians are among those witnessing climate change first-hand.”