Pictured above: On June 7, Alexander Robinson Elementary was honoured for earning the most points during the Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows School District’s second annual Energy Challenge.
Students and teachers who participated in the Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows School District (SD42) second annual Energy Challenge have a powerful message to share about energy conservation: small changes make a big difference.
In just one month, they collectively saved enough electricity and natural gas to power two residential homes for a year. A total of 11 elementary and secondary schools participated in this year’s Energy Challenge, which took place from Feb. 1-28, 2017.
“The Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows School District is committed to saving energy and reducing the impact we have on the natural environment,” said Alexandra Tudose, manager, energy & environmental sustainability. “Our success in this area is not possible without the help of our students and staff.”
This is the second year SD42 schools have participated in the Energy Challenge.
Participating schools earned points by implementing energy reduction campaigns created by students and staff such as lights out lunches, blanket days, pledge drives and unplug days.
Collectively, the schools decreased electricity consumption by 17,900 kWh and natural gas consumption by 126 GJ.
Tudose said the goal of the Energy Challenge was to inspire and empower teachers and students to think about sustainability and energy savings in their schools.
“The energy savings will support our central purpose: student learning,” she added.
While all schools contributed to the energy reduction across the school district, Alexander Robinson Elementary scored the most individual points and won this year’s Energy Challenge.
“Our goal was that at some point the Energy Challenge and spirit of conservation would touch every student, teacher and family in our community,” said principal Adam Stanley. “We achieved this goal by creating a plan that engaged all learners in the spirit of discovery. Teacher-innovator Kathleen McKay and her intrepid group of Grade 7s spearheaded and managed our efforts.”
On June 7, Tudose and Superintendent Sylvia Russell presented the school with a 2017 Energy Challenge trophy.