The Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) is number one in the province regarding energy conservation savings and efficiency. According to newly released figures from Climate Challenge Network through the Sustainable Schools program, the Ottawa Catholic School Board ranked number one among all 72 School Boards across Ontario.
The Ottawa Catholic School Board is a known provincial leader in conservation, having ranked consistently as one of the top 5 performing School Boards year over year. This provincial achievement reflects the energy conservation culture throughout the organization and represents its commitment to environmental stewardship.
Miro Vala, Superintendent of Planning and Facilities, said, “Our first-place showing is validation that our operational practices and renewal projects are working to reduce our energy consumption and provide healthy working and learning spaces for students and staff. Our schools are constructed, renewed and operated to provide the most efficient use of resources.”
The Sustainable Schools program ranks School Boards on savings potential for electricity, thermal energy (natural gas, propane and oil), and greenhouse gas emissions.
Tom D’Amico, Director of Education, said, “Our success would not be possible without the commitment to energy conservation by everyone in our schools and the leadership of our energy and conservation champions.”
Both Mr. Vala and Director D’Amico highlighted the work being done daily by Ottawa Catholic School Board’s Head Caretakers and Trades to contribute to OCSB’s environmental success. In addition, they thanked all who work in operations, maintenance, and construction, stating they are why we have been so successful over the past five years.
School Board Chair Mark Mullan said this award acknowledges something that we all knew: our facilities teams are dedicated and committed to making our schools operate efficiently and providing a place for our students to learn, play, and grow.