OCDSB EarthCARE Expo 2007

June 22, 2007

May 3rd 2007 Ottawa, Students of Ottawa-Carleton District School Board celebrate EarthCARE awards with Minister of Environment, The Honourable John Baird.

CBC Meteorologist Ian Black was the Master of Ceremonies for the awards portion of the EarthCARE Expo 2007 festivities. Students were recognized for their steadfast and can-do focus on improving the environment, their proven belief that people can make a difference, and their deep-rooted responsibility for stewardship of the planet. Over 200 people attended the Expo including students, parents, staff, sponsors and members of the community. Sponsors included Hydro Ottawa, The City of Ottawa, Lee Valley Tools, Goulbourn Waste Management, Swish, Festival Promotions, Outdoor Education, Evergreen, and Jeff Kaster with Rockcliffe Landscaping.

This year's top prizes were handed out by one of the "greenest" Canadians, the Honourable John Baird, Member of Parliament for Ottawa West-Nepean and Minister of the Environment. Baird awarded the Jenny award for elementary schools to Trillium PS whose submission focused on "No idling campaign", and "Bring it Back" program. Frederick Banting Alternate Program was awarded the Jenny Award for secondary schools; their focus was "Stop Climate Change". The Jenny Award is given annually in memory of Jennifer Teague to the EarthCARE Team that has made a significant contribution to the environment through the following:

• Consistent and persistent focus on improving the environment
• Demonstrated acceptance that people can make a difference
• Broad impact - within school (students and staff), in community, beyond
• Demonstrated responsibility for stewardship of the planet
• Contributed broadly to the success of the goals of EarthCARE

The audience had many gardening questions answered, by arguably one of the best gardeners in Canada - Ed Lawrence. Mr Lawrence was the Chief Horticultural Specialist to six consecutive Governors Generals spanning a period of vice-regal history dating from Jules Leger in the 1970s to Adrienne Clarkson in 2005. In his capacity as head gardener, Ed's responsibilities included the 85-acre historic grounds and the greenhouses of Rideau Hall, and all six official residences under the authority of the National Capital Commission, including those of the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. During that same period, Ed's gardening expertise gained popular recognition through CBC Radio's "Ontario Today" noon-time gardening phone-in show heard every Monday. Ed states, "The most important mark that you leave is your footprint, pay attention to the earth it teaches us so much". He told the students that he thought they were great - caring for the earth and protecting it. He had suggestions to salvage trees with dying parts instead of getting rid of them as well as a planting exercise for the students.

The David Suzuki awards for Innovations (presented by Superintendent of Curriculum, Jennifer Adams) went to Adrienne Clarkson ES (elementary winner) and Earl of March SS (secondary winner). The Ameresco Canada sculpture awards (presented by Dave Seymour, Ameresco Vice-president Eastern Region) for a container garden made of recyclable materials were awarded to Parkwood Hill PS (elementary winner) and Elizabeth Wyn Wood Alternate Program (secondary winner).

OCDSB Chair Rob Campbell commended partner Ameresco Canada for providing Better Schools and EarthCARE. "Our behaviours as educators in our community demonstrate common care, you (the students) are the leaders of today and tomorrow and you are making a difference!" Director of Education, Lorne Rachlis adds, "What a wonderful country we live in where David Suzuki and Ed Lawrence are heroes. Think about what's in the news lately...saving the planet is getting the attention it deserves finally, thanks to students, staff and teachers at Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. We can't wait - we have to do it now!"

The Expo is made possible and successful with the help of the OCDSB's Facilities Department and Communications Department and the support of the Director, Dr. Lorne Rachlis. Thank you to the members of Senior Staff, Trustees, Parent Council representatives, and others who gave time and considerable thought to judge the competitions.

EarthCARE provides school districts with a program and process for turning awareness into action and waste into value. The OCDSB has succeeded in cutting environmentally damaging greenhouse gas emissions at district schools by 30% with renewal and conservation partner, Ameresco Canada. As well, the resulting savings pay for the improved facilities, reduce operating costs on an ongoing basis and enhance the overall learning and working environment for teachers, students and staff. To date, the OCDSB is saving almost $5 million per year in utility costs from Ameresco Canada's and the Board's Better Schools Partnership. EarthCARE alone frees up almost $1 million annually through LOCO (lights off, computers off) and other waste reduction activities.