Catholic Trustee Stephen Blais is applauding local schools for the success of the Catholic School Board’s energy management plan that has saved taxpayers more than $2.2 million in energy costs this year. In the third year of their energy management plan the Ottawa Catholic School Board has announced it has avoided $2,285,550 in energy costs for 2008-2009.

“The Catholic school board is leading the way in energy efficient,” says Catholic Trustee Stephen Blais. “In the past four years we have saved more than $7.5 million – money we’ve been able to reinvest into the classroom.”

The energy reductions achieved since the inception of the program are equivalent to eliminating emissions from 3,731 cars.

“Climate change is one of the biggest challenge facing our society,” says Trustee Blais. “In addition to saving millions in tax dollars, our energy management plan has led to important reductions in the green house gas emissions that cause climate change.”

The Ottawa Catholic School Board set baselines on both electricity and natural gas consumption in the 2003-2004 school year. In 2003-2004 the Board consumed 58,451,159 KW/H of electricity and 5,937,946 m3 of natural gas. In the 2008-2009 school year the Board consumed 40,969,267 KW/H of electricity and 4,902,113 m3 of natural gas notwithstanding an increase in new school space through new construction. This year, the board also introduced water reduction initiatives which saved the board $24,835.

“Our board has initiated a two-prong approach to energy savings,” adds Trustee Blais. “We’ve been able to dramatically reduce our energy consumption by educating our staff and students which has prompted changes to individual behaviour. At the same time, the board has invested in energy efficient improvements to our facilities.”

A plaque and $500 will be presented to 24 schools across the board that met or exceeded their 2008-2009 target consumption reductions. This will be the third consecutive year Divine Infant Catholic elementary school will receive the honour and will receive an additional $500 in recognition of their ongoing success.

“The students and staff at Divine Infant deserve a lot of credit,” adds Blais. “For three straight years they have exceeded their energy reduction targets. As we move forward with our plan, it is my hope that every school in the board will exceed their targets.”

The success of the energy management plan is attributed to the collective effort of staff and students across the Board. Development and implementation of the plan required the willingness of participants to become leaders in adopting an energy conservation culture.

“Our school communities are encouraging cultural change that supports planet friendly behaviour that will ensure a sustainable future for our children,” adds Trustee Blais. “Our energy management plan is consistent with these values and provides an opportunity for our Board to be a leader in the field.”