2015 Greenest School in Canada competition now open
by Cleantech Canada Staff
Greenest School in Canada competition put on by Canada Green Building Council, Canada Coalition for Green Schools
OTTAWA—The Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) and the Canada Coalition for Green Schools (CCGS) have launched the second annual Greenest School in Canada competition, highlighting elementary through secondary schools that “exemplify how sustainability can be woven into the infrastructure, culture and curriculum of a school.”
Now in its second year, the Greenest School competition defines a “green school” as one “that minimizes environmental impact, optimizes human health and performance, and fosters a generation of environmentally literate students.”
“Green schools are more than buildings—they are places where children learn and teachers prepare the next generation of leaders in thinking differently about how we can find solutions to our most pressing environmental issues,” CaGBC president and chief executive Thomas Mueller said in a statement announcing the 2015 competition.
“After a successful first year, I am looking forward to engaging more schools in the program and recognizing Canada’s greenest school for 2015.
“Our 2014 winner … impressed us with its efforts to provide an environmental education to its students and the community. I hope it inspires those applying to this year’s competition to build on its success.”
Last year’s winner was Dunbarton High School in Pickering, Ont.
Schools offering grades between kindergarten and Grade 12 are eligible to participate in the Greenest School in Canada competition, and will be judged on the following criteria:
Efficient use of resources and reduced environmental impact;
Enhanced health and learning among students, teachers and staff; and
Emphasis on sustainability and resource-conservation education
A jury of green building industry experts from across Canada will review submissions, with the top three schools to be announced in September.
The winner will receive $2,000 in prize money to use towards a green activity, and is will be submitted as the official Canadian entry into the Greenest School on Earth competition awarded annually by the Center for Green Schools at the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).
Winners of the international competition receive $1,000 to put toward a new or ongoing sustainability project.
All schools wishing to apply must submit their applications by June 1, 2015, through CaGBC’s competition website.
