Toronto Catholic District School Board

Profile

The Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) educates more than 84,000 students from diverse cultures and language backgrounds in 201 Catholic elementary and secondary schools, serving over half-a-million Catholic school supporters across the City of Toronto. TCDSB believes in the critical role of promoting environmental responsibility among our students, and in providing leadership in our communities to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment. We are proud to partner in the City of Toronto’s Green Will Initiative, and continue our commitment to educate students on environmental sustainability, and endorse the attitudes, knowledge and skills to act as responsible citizens of Toronto and stewards of creation. Learn more about TCDSB’s sustainability work.

Accomplishments at the Building Portfolio

  • Number of buildings enrolled: 190 of 190
  • GHG Emissions Intensity: 2.71 kgCO₂e/sq ft²/yr
  • Total GHG Emissions: 27,253 tCO₂e/yr

TCDSB resolves to become a net zero energy school board including a Five-year Energy Conservation and Demand Management (ECDM) Plan

TCDSB’s five-year EDCM Plan targets an 11 per cent reduction in the overall energy intensity of all facilities with respect to the baseline year of 2017/2018. The Board has committed to $2M in School Renewal funding per year for five years as a start on the road to net zero.

Investment in utility data management and enhanced monitoring and tracking of data to Improve building performance

TCDSB implemented a number of operational improvements across the building portfolio to better monitor, track and improve building performance including:

  • Implementation of RETScreen Expert Portfolio energy tracking
  • Bill verification, monitoring and analysis of electricity, gas and water use for all board facilities
  • Interval meter installations
  • Building Automation Systems (BAS) training for the Board’s BAS technicians and custodial staff
  • Full-time staff energy supervisor to implement efficiency programs and conduct energy audits at individual schools

The investment in utility data management has improved data quality and reporting which has provided the TCDSB the platform for scaling up energy conservation effort and results.

Capital Planning and $40 million of upgrades from 2012/2013 to 2017/18

TCDSB has invested over $40 million into a range of capital projects to improve energy efficiency including:

  • Implementation of RETScreen Expert Portfolio Energy Tracking
  • Boiler Retrofits
  • Envelope upgrades
  • LED lighting conversions (interior and exterior)
  • Implemented Building Automation Systems (BAS)

GHG Emission-considerations integrated in procurement policies

Implemented internal procurement policies to purchase Energy Star rated appliances and equipment and energy efficiency performance standards for new and replacement HVAC equipment including fans, motors, pumps and chillers.

Collaborative training and capacity building through the GWI and the Canadian Institute for Energy Training (CIET) identified up to 34 per cent in GHG emission reduction opportunities for St. Oscar Romero Catholic Secondary School

TCDSB participated in collaborative training sessions with other participants in the GWI. Six TCDSB building operators attended the Energy Efficiency for Building Operators Training by the Canadian Institute for Energy Training (CIET). More than 30 building operators from multiple participants were trained to identify and develop energy saving opportunities.

A treasure hunt conducted for St. Oscar Romero Catholic Secondary School as part of the training session identified up to 34 per cent in GHG emission reduction opportunities for the school.

Thirteen of TCDSB’s schools are certified Eco-Schools

EcoSchools Canada offers a certification program for K-12 schools that nurtures environmental learning and climate action. The award-winning, curriculum-linked framework supports school communities as they assess, track, benchmark, and celebrate environmental excellence. TCDSB aims to build towards 100 per cent school participation in Ontario EcoSchools program by 2023.

Disclaimer: Profiles presented are based on information provided by participants. Participants’ GHG emissions performance published are based on utility data submitted and converted to GHG emissions. The emission factors applied aligns with the period of energy data reported (2020). The emission factors utilized for the conversion are calculated based on a combination of sources: Government of Canada (National Inventory Report & Canada’s Proposed Greenhouse Gas Quantification Requirements), Government of Ontario (Guide: Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting), The Atmospheric Fund (A Clearer View on Ontario’s Emissions – Electricity emissions factors and guidelines) and Enbridge Gas Inc. (Chemical Composition of Natural Gas).