Stein Valley Nlaka'pamux School (SVNS) incorporates Solar Energy as part of overall sustainability goals

Located on the east side of the Fraser River near Lytton in south western BC, The Stein Valley Nlaka’pamux School (SVNS) is a beacon for the future and symbolizes the unique culture and tradition of six local First Nations – the Nlaka’pamux people.  Riverside Energy Systems were honoured to be selected by SVNS as the supplier and installer of a 70 Kwh 176 panel Solar Energy system for the school as well as delivering a 2-day solar energy workshop for all students from Kindergarten to Grade 12.  The system will save the school $9,000 - $10,000 per year and hedge against future electricity rate increases.  

Greg Lambertus of Riverside Energy Systems said, “It was incredibly rewarding to work with the students and demystify the wonders of capturing solar energy and converting it to electricity. Sharing a mutual passion for sustainability and renewable energy made working with the community leaders, management, staff and students’ one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling projects that we have had the good fortune to work on”.

The solar project is a perfect fit with the SVNS overall goals of building capacity and student knowledge to add value to the development of their communities, value to the workforce and position interested students in broadening their future career choices.

The Stein Valley Nlaka’pamux School offers holistic and unique education programming blending Nlaka’pamux culture, language and traditions with contemporary educational themes that include relevant real-life experiences.  Building on their inherent sustainability goals, the Stein Valley Nlaka’pamux School (SVNS) has also created an agricultural program to engage students in out-of-the box thinking and activities. The agricultural program is very deliberate and teaches children how to choose plants and animals that work well together and connects the students to real life examples in science, language arts, social studies and ADST fields.  The program curriculum strengthens the student’s understanding of their relationship to plants and animals and provides a greater appreciation of where the food they eat comes from.  Crops produced include cucumbers, tomatoes, beets, onions, and carrots and are used to provide fresh, organic fruits and vegetables for SVNS Breakfast and Lunch Program.

As a growing part of the curriculum, they have built and manage greenhouses, barns, animal shelters, pastures and pens and have continually been expanding their livestock.  The animals are also selected for their ability to clear fields, root weeds and create usable manure for composting.

School principal Todd Morrow explains, “As a school community, we are always looking for new and unique ways of making the curriculum come alive!” The Riverside Energy team was very pleased to add a real life solar energy experience and participate in the curriculum through the 2 day solar workshops.  

Riverside Energy Systems located in Kamloops BC, is a renewable energy company pursuing sustainability through renewable energy solutions. Our services range from education and training, to consulting and advising, to the design, development and provision of renewable energy systems.  Contact us to discuss your questions about renewable solar energy and how you can contribute to sustainability and decrease your carbon footprint.