[Waterloo, November 20, 2020] The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) has set a 20% greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction target by 2030, supported by Sustainable Waterloo Region’s Regional Sustainability Initiative.
The WRDSB includes 128 buildings and 365 portables and portapaks, and their 20% commitment represents one of many tangible actions towards reducing the GHGs emitted by these buildings.
“I am both extremely grateful and proud of the work that we are doing at the Waterloo Region District School Board. Our commitment to lowering Greenhouse Gases is ambitious and necessary as we address the impact of climate change on our community. By setting a target with Sustainable Waterloo Region, we are building on the work of our students and staff to improve sustainable operations within all of our schools.” – Matthew Gerard, Coordinating Superintendent, Business Services and Treasurer of the Board
By setting this target, the WRDSB continues their strong history of energy conservation that includes optimizing power use in existing buildings, implementing renewable energy infrastructure, and educating staff and students about energy-conscious behaviours. To reach this target, this foundation will be built on in collaboration with Sustainable Waterloo Region. First, WRDSB will leverage the full potential of all normally scheduled renovations to existing buildings. When new boilers, windows, roofs, and other equipment are installed, energy efficiency will continue to play a key role in the design process. Second, through the use of building automation systems and an effective monitoring program, opportunities to reduce consumption through operational changes will be identified and acted on quickly. Finally, with the support of Sustainable Waterloo Region, WRDSB will use student education, employee engagement, policy, and social and behavioural change to build a culture of energy conservation.
“We at SWR are honoured to be working in close partnership, supporting the sustainability goals of the Waterloo Region District School Board,” said Tova Davidson, Executive Director of SWR. “This new target set by the school board means that 128 buildings in Waterloo region will be part of our movement towards a greener and more prosperous future. The work of the school board towards a low carbon future is a significant step forward for our entire community.”
The WRDSB has set an intensity-based target which represents a reduction in the total amount of GHGs emission in relation to another metric of performance, over a specific period of time. The WRDSB has committed to a 20% reduction in GHG’s relative to the total square footage of their facilities and schools by 2030.
About the Waterloo Region District School Board
Waterloo Region District School Board serves more than 64,000 students in more than 121 schools and alternative and continuing education sites. Our school district partners with staff, families and caregivers to build students’ confidence and success as they face the future.
Contact: Lynsey Slupeiks
Communications Officer – Media and Issues
lynsey_slupeiks@wrdsb.ca
About Sustainable Waterloo Region
Sustainable Waterloo Region is an environmental non-profit organization that fosters collaborations that enable local organizations to convert their sustainability interest into action. These organizations participate in our programs to achieve environmental and economic benefits. By building networks, setting a common direction for results, and publicly reporting on progress, we are working to maximize both the individual and collective successes of organizations in Waterloo Region.
About the Regional Sustainability Initiative
The Regional Sustainability Initiative facilitates setting voluntary reduction targets in greenhouse gas emissions, water, and waste diversion by organizations committed to sustainability within Waterloo region. Every organization’s sustainability journey is different; our milestones provide a customized approach to inspire action and support transformation in organizations of varying size and industry.
Contact: Tova Davidson
Executive Director
tova.davidson@sustainablewaterlooregion.ca