Ontario Conservation Bureau Presents School District with Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Energy Conservation

September 12, 2006, Ottawa, ON — Peter Love, Chief Energy Conservation Officer with the Ontario Conservation Bureau is presenting the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) with a Certificate of Recognition for its outstanding energy conservation achievements. The energy savings are a result of the Board energy management partnership with Ameresco Canada’s Better Schools Partnership. The eight-year partnership has resulted in the Board reducing energy costs by some $4 million annually.

The presentation takes place in the boardroom at 8 pm, 133 Greenbank Road.

“At a time when utility prices continue to rise, school facility challenges are growing rapidly. The OCDSB should be very proud of the accomplishments,” states Mr. Love.

Through the Ameresco Better Schools Partnership, energy retrofits have been taking place in schools across the district that see everything from new windows, to lights, doors, and heating and cooling systems. The improvements have not only reduced energy costs, but improved the learning environment for both students and staff alike.

By the time all of the energy retrofits are completed, it is expected the school district will be avoiding over $5 million in annual energy costs for years to come: $2.6 million in electricity savings alone each year, enough to provide for 5,500 homes; enough gas to heat 1200 homes; enough water to serve 1,100 homes; and enough CO2 emissions saved to fill 11,000 small gymnasiums.

“This represents a significant savings for us now and into the future,” states Chair of the Board Lynn Graham, who will be on hand to accept the award. “We’re proud of our forward-looking energy management program and the improvements to our schools.”

“Energy retrofits in schools don’t just make them more comfortable for students and teachers; they provide an opportunity to learn about energy conservation on a daily basis. Lessons learned here will last a lifetime,” adds the Chief Energy Conservation Officer.

Environmental education has been a constant in this energy saving process. Thanks to the BSP EarthCARE™ program, our students have access to an action-oriented environmental education program designed to encourage environmental stewardship through school-based initiatives. Each year these initiatives are celebrated at the EarthCARE Expo wherein students highlight their energy saving efforts in a showcase of best practices.