Last school year saw an unprecedented increase in the number of EcoSchools. Nineteen more schools joined the ranks of the green brigade at the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board. And, this fall, four more schools have joined, which brings our total up to 28 schools.

The EcoSchools program creates a structure for and helps organize a school’s efforts to green the way the facility is managed.

The four pillars are:

1. energy conservation,
2. waste reduction,
3. school yard naturalization
4. ecological literacy.

The five steps to the program:

1. Create the eco team
2. Perform an eco review for energy and waste.
3. Create an eco plan.
4. Implement the plan.
5. Perform another eco review near the end of the year and determine success.

Schools customize the program to suit their needs and EcoSchools is a student driven program, which enhances their experience and learning.

Certification
Two schools achieved certification last year. St. Marguerite Bourgeoys was awarded gold status and Regiopolis-Notre Dame succeeded in meeting the bronze requirements. Look for others schools to apply for certification this year.