EarthCARE Contributes to an Expected $1.6 Million Savings in the HPEDSB

October 8, 2007

The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board (HPEDSB) is pleased to celebrate the current phase of its school-renewal and conservation program with energy and school-renewal partner Ameresco Canada Inc.

The ongoing relationship, called the Better Schools' partnership (BSp), has renewed school facilities, reduced waste, and helped protect the planet through best practices. In addition, the BSp funds EarthCARE, an action oriented, student-led, environmental leadership program that has inspired thousands of students to become proactive environmental stewards at school, at home and in their communities.

According to Principal Bonnie Lloyd, Kente PS, EarthCARE has contributed to character development at her school, a key component of the board-wide AiM initiative. "Some of our students are finding self-esteem and confidence through participating in EarthCARE," she says. Students look forward to expanding their role in EarthCARE, and that the road to conservation at their school is "a consultative process" which takes into account their students' abilities and interests. Additional projects either planned or in the works include letter-writing campaigns to reduce waste generated by cottagers and an area coffee merchant.

To learn more about the school-renewal and conservation projects that Ameresco Canada, the Better Schools partnership, and EarthCARE currently have underway in the HPEDSB , download our fall 2007 newsletter, Chillin' with the Planet, Caring for Our Community (PDF 1.2mb).