GUELPH – The Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) has launched a new sustainability and climate action plan for 2025 to 2030.
Officials say the plan sets a clear path to reduce environmental impact and build greener schools and communities. It focuses on seven areas: energy, waste, water, procurement, transportation, engagement, and environmental leadership.
The plan includes:
– reducing energy intensity by 12 per cent by 2028 (from the board’s 2023 baseline);
– transitioning toward low-carbon heating and renewable energy;
– standardizing recycling and composting across all schools;
– expanding real-time water monitoring to cut waste;
– integrating sustainable design into new schools and renovations;
– supporting active travel through safe walking and biking routes; and
– empowering students and staff to lead sustainability initiatives in their schools and communities.
The plan “highlights some of the many ways the UGDSB is decreasing our carbon footprint, conserving energy and reducing the resources needed to operate our schools and work spaces,” said director of education Peter Sovran.
“This includes the installation of solar panels and heat pumps, reducing water consumption and waste, promoting active transportation, and launching environmental leadership programs.”
To read the plan in full visit ugdsb.ca.
