Week 3 of #ocsbEarthMonth focuses on the four elements of nature: earth, air, fire, and water. Our #ocsbEarth team helps cultivate a conservation mindset through air quality and natural energy resources educators use in their classrooms.
Leaders in energy conservation
The OCSB is a provincial energy conservation leader and consistently ranks as one of the top 5 performing School Boards. Last June, OCSB took over the number one spot in the province for energy conservation savings and efficiency as awarded by the Climate Challenge Network’s Sustainable Schools program.
Designing with conservation and stewardship in mind
OCSB continually looks to incorporate sustainable environmental practices into its building projects. St. Dominic, St. Gabriel, St. Mother Teresa High School, and St. Patrick’s High School generate electricity through solar panel installations. When we open two new elementary schools in September 2023, the buildings will support environmental practices and be equipped for future solar power installations.
As part of OCSB’s commitment to environmental stewardship, the Board has introduced electric car charging stations at some facilities. The first station was installed at the Board office last August, and there are plans to install stations at seven OCSB high schools this summer. Budget permitting, we will introduce stations at the two new elementary schools opening in the Fernbank and South Nepean areas.
A conservation mindset across the Board
OCSB’s success is due to a long-established board-wide conservation and environmental stewardship culture. Caretaking staff are trained regarding their school’s energy performance and given autonomy to think critically and make decisions relating to building operations. Educators model conservation practices through environmental clubs in every school. At the same time, students participate in initiatives that nurture the planet. Everyone is part of the solution. Caretakers, principals, administrative staff, and students work towards the same environmental goals.