Second Most Energy Efficient School Board In Ontario

MARATHON, Ontario – The Superior-Greenstone District School Board (SGDSB) is thrilled to announce that, for the second consecutive year, it has been ranked second in Ontario for energy efficiency among school boards.  This accolade was published in June 2024 Report by Sustainable Schools a program of the Climate Challenge Network, following a comprehensive evaluation of approximately 5,000 elementary and secondary schools across the province.

 

The annual rankings by Sustainable Schools assess actual energy usage against top-quartile (pre-pandemic) energy targets, highlighting SGDSB's exemplary performance in energy conservation.  Despite  updates to ventilation systems for health and safety reasons, which typically increase energy consumption, SGDSB has maintained its second place standing. These updates include additional filtration measures, crucial for enhancing indoor air quality amidst health considerations.

 

"As a school board, we are committed to achieving and sustaining significant reductions in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions," stated Alex Marton, Superintendent of Business of SGDSB.  "Our continuous efforts not only contribute to potential savings in utility costs but also align with our environmental stewardship goals."

 

SGDSB credits its success to a combination of factors, including proactive staff and student engagement in energy-saving practices, automated systems for efficient energy management, and the integration of solar panel technology across various school facilities.  These initiatives collectively support SGDSB's overarching goal of enhancing energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

 

"We are immensely proud of the efforts made by our entire school community in embracing energy-saving habits and technologies," stated Gord Muir, Facilities Manager. "Together, we are making strides towards a more sustainable future while ensuring optimal learning environments for our students."

 

SGDSB looks forward to building upon its achievements in energy efficiency and remains dedicated to exploring innovative ways to further reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

 

For more information on the Sustainable Schools initiatives, please visit www.sustainableschools.ca

 

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