Balmoral School and Catherine Nichols Gunn School recognized with BenchmarkYYC Awards for exceptional sustainability and energy efficiency achievements
The Calgary Board of Education continues to be recognized for its leadership in operating sustainable schools.
On Oct. 2, the City of Calgary's BenchmarkYYC program recognized the CBE for its achievements in energy efficiency and greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions. Today, at the CBE Board of Trustees meeting, Board Chair Patricia Bulger presented these awards to the principals of the winning schools.
For the second consecutive year, Balmoral School was named the top-performing K-12 property in the BenchmarkYYC Program. Competing against 61 similar properties, Balmoral recorded the lowest total GHG intensity, emitting 30.2 kilograms of carbon dioxide (or equivalent gases) per square metre in 2022.
Balmoral's success is the result of a unique combination of historical architecture and modern upgrades. The school, built in 1913, has retained its thick sandstone walls while benefiting from targeted insulation improvements, creating an efficient building envelope that minimizes energy use.
Balmoral School wasn't the only CBE school in the spotlight this year.
Catherine Nichols Gunn School also received recognition for its significant progress in reducing emissions. Between 2021 and 2022, the school achieved an impressive 32 per cent reduction in GHG emissions, standing out among the 450 properties in the BenchmarkYYC program.
These awards reflect the CBE's ongoing commitment to sustainability, guided by the Sustainability Framework 2030, which outlines key areas such as energy efficiency, climate education, waste reduction, and community partnerships. The framework sets ambitious targets for 2030, including reducing emissions, cutting waste, and increasing the use of renewable energy across all CBE schools.
"These achievements demonstrate our long-term commitment to sustainability and energy management," said Dany Breton, Superintendent of Facilities and Environmental Services. "By making strategic facility upgrades and engaging our staff and students in energy-saving practices, we are leading the way in creating a more sustainable future for our schools and the communities we serve."
The award plaques will be displayed at both Balmoral School and Catherine Nichols Gunn School , serving as a reminder of CBE's leadership in sustainable practices and its dedication to reducing its environmental impact.
Principals Rakhee Vijairaghavan (Balmoral School) and Linda Doyle (Catherine Nichols Gunn School) are joined by members of the CBE Board of Trustees, Facilities and Environmental Services team members, and Education Director Tori Healing as they celebrate receiving the City of Calgary's BenchmarkYYC awards for energy efficiency.
Principal Rakhee Vijairaghavan and Facility Operator Akbar Ijaz of Balmoral School are pictured in front of the school's iconic sandstone walls known for excellent thermal characteristics, which contribute to the school's energy efficiency.
The historic exterior of Balmoral School, featuring sandstone walls, played a key role in earning the BenchmarkYYC award for energy efficiency, thanks to its excellent thermal properties. Balmoral, along with Catherine Nichols Gunn School, was recognized by the City of Calgary for superior energy performance.
