WRDSB Commitment to Energy Conservation

WRDSB is committed to reducing the energy consumption of its schools. This reduces how much the WRDSB contributes to climate change. It also reduces utility costs. The WRDSB’s commitment to energy conservation means there is more money available for student needs today and helps ensure their prosperous future.

Since 2008, WRDSB has reduced its energy consumption by over 20%, while adding air conditioning to over 1200 classroom spaces, and increasing before and after-hours use of schools. This reduction saves the board over $2 million a year.

WRDSB has committed to reducing energy consumption by an additional 12% by the end of the 2022-2023 school year. In addition, WRDSB has committed to reducing GHG emissions by 20% by the end of the 2028-2029 school year. Please see the Energy Reports page for more detailed reporting.

 

 

Conserving energy is everyone’s business

Everyone who uses our facilities has a role to play in conservation! While our Supervisor of Energy Conservation (SEC) and the school’s Head Custodian takes the lead, we need everyone to help out.

The SEC is available to give lessons for students between Grades 3 and 12. The SEC has a maximum of 2 days a month available for these lessons. These lessons can be arranged by contacting the SEC at caleb_gingrichregehr[@]wrdsb.ca.

Here are some thoughts on what your school communities can do:

  • Keep windows and doors closed in the heating and cooling seasons. If there is an ongoing issue, communicate with your custodian so Facility Services can address it
  • Keep the thermostat clear of obstructions so that it can keep your room comfortable.
  • Keep the classroom door closed, the heating system works better that way. Don’t use a space heater – use the thermostat to adjust the temperature, or tell your custodian if there is a comfort issue.
  • Close blinds to keep the sunlight and heat out during the summer.
  • Open the blinds to welcome the sunlight and heat in during the winter – but close them at night to help insulate the building.
  • Keep areas in front of vents on walls, ceilings, or window sills free of obstruction.
  • Complete regular Audits of the school building to check for ways to optimize heating and cooling using the linked resources (fillable and printable)
  • Turn off the lights when you aren’t in the room!
  • Is the sun providing enough light for what you are doing? Turn off the lights when you are in the room!
  • Turn off the projector as soon as you are done with it, and before leaving the room. Those bulbs cost a lot to replace.
  • Put computers, monitors, printers, photocopiers and other electronics on standby or sleep mode when not in use and turn them off at the end of the school day.
  • Use a power bar for multiple electronics and then turn off the power bar at the end of the day to avoid phantom energy loss.
  • Complete regular Audits of the school building to see if lights and electronics are switched off (fillable and printable)
  • Participate in National Sweater Day and lower the temperature. Can every day be sweater day?
  • Wash laundry in cold water – there are laundry detergents available that work just as well in cold water than in hot!
  • Walk, bike or roll to school – use the car less often.
  • Celebrate Earth Hour every day!