Summary of EarthCARE Report 2003/2004

Ottawa-Carleton District School Board

Most successful of the 3 years in terms of participation and progress
Built on an integrated partnership model, common goals, shared successes, broad involvement
Focus on occupant behaviours in 3 areas (water, waste, energy) - 30% solution
LOCO produces the cost avoidance that allows for the gain-sharing
Cost: Benefits = ~2.5:1 ($2.47)
Unique program - customized for each board; curriculum materials available; delivery strategies make it unique
Mission - develop environmental stewardship; Goal - turn energy waste into educational value and savings

90% of the 144 schools participated to some extent
1500 students and more than 250 staff were actively promoting EC action and awareness
Over 100 secondary students were trained to be catalysts
EarthCARE Fair with David Suzuki - example of youth engagement and reaching out
LOCO generated ~$939,000 in avoided energy costs based on March audit data (average LO=75%; average CO=73%)
Reduced cross-contamination in recycling bins - led top reinstatement of pizza box pick-up
Reduction of 8.8 tonnes of CO₂ emissions = 292 mature trees
Partnerships among students, staff, and custodians
BOTP - 81% of Chief Custodians and Lead Hands trained in building operating procedures
Mechanical custodial training - 3 hours of training for 125 new custodians (voluntary) on mechanical systems and their responsibilities
74% of schools returned audits in March
Student leadership opportunities: EC Launch; EC Fair, Principals - Presentation; Trustees - Presentation
26 schools used ECC services
Lesson plans - printed for all schools
Community action - Centrepointe pond cleanup; tree planting; furniture repair & recycling
Support of Director and senior staff

Higher participation of staff and students in EC actions - particularly LOCO
Higher LOCO scores generating additional savings (~$500,000 remains to be captured)
Improved ECC training and utilization
Advanced BOTP
Greater awareness and action eventually making environmental action a part of our culture