The Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) continues to be a provincial leader in energy conservation savings and efficiency. The local Catholic School Board has consistently ranked in the top 10 performing school boards in Ontario since the inception of the program in 2015.
According to newly released figures from the 2022 Top Energy Performing School Boards Report: Sustainable Schools, the Ottawa Catholic School Board ranked number three among all 72 School Boards across Ontario. This year’s data is from September 2019 to February 2020, which excludes the effect of COVID-19 on building operations as of March 2020. This provincial achievement reflects the energy conservation culture throughout the organization and represents its commitment to environmental stewardship.
Superintendent of Planning and Facilities, Miro Vala, said, “The OCSB has ranked in the top three performing provincial school boards for the past four years, and the top five since 2016 adding, this is validation that our operational practices and renewal projects are working.” The Sustainable Schools program ranks School Boards on savings potential for electricity, thermal energy (natural gas, propane and oil), and greenhouse gas emissions.
Director of Education, Tom D’Amico, said, “Our collective efforts are helping to reduce our energy consumption and provide healthy working and learning spaces for students and staff.” Mr. D”Amico said our students are some of our most dedicated conservation champions and, in collaboration with their educators, promote and advocate for eco-schools during Earth Month and every month of the year.
School Board Chair Mark Mullan said that one of the main reasons we continue to be a provincial leader in energy conservation is the leadership of our Head Care Takers and Trades and all who work in operations, maintenance, and construction in our schools and work sites.