The OCSB continues to be a provincial leader in energy conservation savings and efficiency, consistently ranking in the top 10 performing school boards in Ontario.
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. The latest 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.
The OCSB has ranked in the top three performing provincial school boards for the past four years and in the top five since 2016. These rankings validate that the Board’s operational practices and renewal projects are working.
A conservation mindset across the Board
The Sustainable Schools program ranks School Boards on savings potential for electricity, thermal energy (natural gas, propane and oil), and greenhouse gas emissions. The 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.