The Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon is pleased that its commitment to increasing its energy efficiency has not gone unnoticed. In fact, CSC Nouvelon ranked 3rd in the Sustainable Schools' 2024 Top Energy Performing School Boards Report that measures the energy efficiency of Ontario school board for the 2021-2022 school year. The 72 school boards in the province were ranked on their energy savings potential, which is the gap between their target and current energy consumption values.
This achievement is the result of ongoing initiatives established since 1990 to implement improvements to CSC Nouvelon buildings. These efforts include the collaboration of janitorial and maintenance staff members who ensure the optimal operation of systems, the integration of green technology into new building construction as well as into renovations projects, and upgrades to older buildings with building management systems, energy-efficient windows and roofs, water-saving toilets and more efficient lighting systems.
The school board has recently carried out several renovation projects, such as increasing the insulation in the external walls of schools to further reduce energy consumption. In addition, six schools are also equipped with photovoltaic systems which enable them to produce their own electricity. These six systems produce approximately 380,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) annually.
Building on the success of its efforts to boost energy efficiency, the school board is dedicated to pursuing its efforts to remain an education sector leader in reducing energy consumption. The CSC Nouvelon is in the process of finalizing its Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan for the period of 2023 to 2028, which will set new targets and allow them to be measured. This plan will be posted on the school board's website by July, 1 2024. The CSC Nouvelon is also committed to transfer this knowledge to students so that they acquire the tools to help them become young eco-responsible citizens and do their part in striving for a better world.
"The CSC Nouvelon is thrilled to be be recognized as an energy efficiency leader. We attach great importance to reducing our carbon footprint and managing our buildings sustainably," stated the CSC Nouvelon's Director of Education and Secretary Treasurer, Mr. Paul Henry. "The CSC Nouvelon endeavours to prepare its students to become responsible environmental citizens, but we also have a duty to be responsible citizens ourselves and help ensure the well-being of our planet for generations to come."
