A joint investment of more than $384,000 will fund the Saint John Arts Centre (Carnegie Building) and its plans to reduce the facility’s carbon footprint.

The funding, announced Thursday by the City of Saint John and the federal government, will help improve the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system as well as installing LED lighting.

In a news release, both governments believe these improvements are expected to reduce the Carnegie Building’s energy consumption by an estimated 56.9 per cent and greenhouse gas emissions by 43.8 tonnes annually.

“Carnegie Building plays a major role in the development of the arts and it plays a vital part in arts education and community outreach,” said Saint John-Rothesay MP Wayne Long.

“Bringing this historic building to up-to-date energy efficiency standards will ensure the community can continue to benefit from all Carnegie Building has to offer in an environmentally respectful manner.”

The Government of Canada is investing more than $278,000 in this project and the City of Saint John is contributing more than $105,000.

“Today’s investment by the Government of Canada is a significant step forward for the Carnegie Building, home to the Saint John Arts Centre, and our community,” said Saint John Mayor Donna Reardon.

“With these HVAC and lighting upgrades, we are not only preserving a historic cultural landmark but also taking proactive measures to reduce our carbon footprint.”

The Carnegie Building, which opened in 1904, was once the home of the Saint John Free Public Library which was established in 1883. It was constructed with the help of a $50,000 grant from Scottish-American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.