EarthCARE Program FAQs

1. Who is currently participating in the EarthCARE program?
2. How is EarthCARE funded?
3. Do schools participating in EarthCARE receive resources/lesson plans/guides etc.?

1. Who is currently participating in the EarthCARE program?
EarthCARE is offered through the Better Schools Partnership program of Ameresco Canada as their solution to the 30% of energy costs that are affected by occupant behaviours in buildings. Currently the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board is participating in the EarthCARE program.

2. How is EarthCARE funded?
EarthCARE can be funded in two ways:

1. A board can pay for it and regain the cost from savings generated, usually with a two to one return on investment.
2. It can be funded by retrofit savings and bundled into a comprehensive energy / school renewal solution model.

In either case, EarthCARE represents the occupant behaviour energy conservation solution aimed at encouraging lights off and computers off, as well as an environmental education program for students.

3. Do schools participating in EarthCARE receive resources/lesson plans/guides etc.?
Schools receive both resources and support when enrolled in the EarthCARE program. Lesson plans are available on our website. Depending on the customization of the program by the particular board for their system, schools receive kit materials for promotion and recognition in their schools, training in developing their EarthCARE Team and performing school audits, support in writing stories and taking pictures about their successes and events, opportunities to enter the EarthCARE Expo challenges, and dollars for the participating schools if the board supports sharing the gains made in utility savings.