Last spring, the Ontario government revealed it would be allocating funds for improving more than 1000 public schools, making them a greener place to learn.
In time for the imminent ‘return to class’ season, some changes will have already taken place as construction was slated to start this summer.
The $550 million investment over two years will focus on retrofitting school buildings with energy efficient heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and boilers. Modernizing schools in this way is definitely needed as some buildings are around 80 years old. Funding will also go towards conducting energy audits to help conserve energy, as well as improving inefficient classrooms themselves.
When completed, the upgrades will save school boards money by reducing energy bills. Funds can then be put to use to improve other aspects of the learning environment. This year, $460 million will be spent on utility bills by school boards in Ontario alone.
A peripheral benefit of the investment in greening schools is that new jobs will be created in Ontario’s green economy. An estimated 5,500 jobs will be sustained through the program.
Perhaps the greatest benefit will be something not measured in numbers. Education starts with example. Children see what adults do, then copy that example. By implementing changes for a greener school year, kids learn the importance of conserving energy, minimizing waste and living in a sustainable way – things they need to know because, after all, they are the future.
