October 30, 2017
The Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario (CSCNO) is pleased to be ranked in 4th place in the 2017 Top Energy Performing School Boards Report that measures the energy efficiency of Ontario’s 72 school boards. This achievement is the result of a process of continuous improvement to upgrade CSCNO buildings since 1990 that has enabled the school board to earn its place as one of the top five energy-efficient Ontario school boards in 2016, and again in 2017. The CSCNO predicts that its ongoing commitment to this cause will allow it to remain a leader in reducing energy consumption.
The 2017 Top Energy Performing School Boards is based on data reported for the 2014–2015 school year. The report evaluates each board’s energy savings potential by determining the gap between their target and their current energy consumption. In 2014-2015, the energy-saving potential of the CSCNO was only 13.2%, which demonstrates that its buildings are highly energy- efficient.
Since 1990, the CSCNO has initiated several projects aimed at reducing its carbon footprint. While green technology was incorporated in its new buildings and renovations, existing buildings were also upgraded with new programmable thermostats, energy-efficient windows, water-saving toilets, more efficient lighting systems and systems that utilize the outside temperature to control the temperature of the water used for heating.
“The CSCNO is thrilled to be recognized as a leader in energy efficiency. We attach great importance to reducing our carbon footprint and managing our buildings sustainably,” stated Mrs. Lyse-Anne Papineau, CSCNO Director of Education. “As we strive to prepare our students to become responsible citizens, we also have a duty to be responsible citizens and ensure the well-being of the planet for generations to come.”
While pleased with its current success, the CSCNO remains committed to further reducing its energy consumption. In 2016, the board signed an agreement with Ameresco, an international company that specializes in reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Several projects are already under way in the first phase of this initiative, including the installation of LED lighting in nine schools, photovoltaic power systems at École Sainte-Anne (Spanish) and École secondaire catholique Jeunesse-Nord (Blind River), high-efficiency furnaces in three schools and a ventilation control system at École Jean-Paul II (Val Caron).
These projects, whose budgets total approximately three million dollars, are scheduled to be completed over the next five years, with predicted savings of between $200,000 and $400,000 annually, in addition to the benefit of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The school board’s energy efficiency projects, past, present and future, are funded in large part by the Ontario Ministry of Education, HydroOne, Sudbury Hydro, Union Gas and NRCan.
The Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario offers a French Catholic Educational Program that is widely recognized for its excellence. The CSCNO provides a quality learning environment and academic program that runs from early childhood to adult education, with some 7,000 students enrolled in 27 elementary and 10 secondary schools.
Source:
Brigitte Morin
External Relations Coordinator
Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario
705-673-5626, ext. 389
705-690-9740 (cell)