Toronto District School Board
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About Us, Sustainability, Environment and Climate Action

About Us

The Sustainability Office is made up of diverse teams working to help students, staff and the entire TDSB community make meaningful changes towards a sustainable, net-zero future. Over the years, our group has added new hats to wear as we take on additional challenges to improve our schools' energy use and reduce our impact on the environment.

We are committed to building leadership within a culture of adaptability, openness, and resilience by forming strong and effective relationships and partnerships to create environmentally sustainable schools that inspire teaching and learning. The Toronto District School Board is dedicated to preparing young people for their future and recognizes its obligation to respond to the escalating climate crisis with education, action and leadership.


EcoSchools

  • Support teaching and learning in, about, and for the environment through the delivery of the EcoSchools program
  • Provide support to students and staff to build capacity and expand their environmental programs
  • Develop internal and external communication on Board-wide sustainability strategy and initiatives to raise awareness

Energy and Climate Action

  • Design and implementation of building renewal projects focused on energy and green house gas reduction
  • Provide design reviews for capital and renewal projects for conformance to TDSB design standards
  • Coordinate and supervise BAS commissioning work on mechanical renewal projects
  • Provide technical, operations and training support to Facility Services staff on energy, BAS and building controls issues
  • Monitor TDSB energy use and green house gas emissions
  • Provide oversight of utilities procurement and manage the TDSB utilities portfolio
  • Forecast, recommend, and manage the TDSB utilities budget of $70+M

Green Projects

  • Develop and implement TDSB's climate action plan, presented to annually too the Board of Trustees
  • Manage and provide oversight of the TDSB's Environmental Legacy Fund and Playing Field Reserve
  • Coordinate Joint Management Labour Committee and Environmental Sustainability Community Advisory Committee and facilitate the implementation of initiatives that arise from them
  • Design and coordinate green projects (e.g., tree planting, water bottle filling station installs, bike racks, traffic safety program)

School Ground Revitalization

  • Work collaboratively with in-house construction to design and build site improvement projects: e.g., replacing old play structures, fencing and retaining walls, improving outdoor kindergarten and child care areas, and junior play areas
  • Facilitate school ground improvement projects by guiding principals and parents through the TDSB's Viability Review process

School Ground Revitalization

  • Work collaboratively with in-house construction to design and build site improvement projects: e.g., replacing old play structures, fencing and retaining walls, improving outdoor kindergarten and child care areas, and junior play areas
  • Facilitate school ground improvement projects by guiding principals and parents through the TDSB's Viability Review process

Facilities Digital Transformation and Modernization

  • Develop and lead the implementation of a multi-year strategic plan for Facilities Digital Transformation and Modernization
  • Lead Technical Project Management
  • Web and Mobile Application Development and Maintenance
  • Create and maintain GIS Maps/Apps and Floor/Site Plans
  • Lead and coordinate committees focused on improving business processes across Facility Services

Standards and Compliance

  • Ensure Board-wide compliance with municipal, provincial and federal standards and regulations (fire safety systems, fuel safety, auditorium safety, safe roof access)
  • Create and maintain site and floor plans for all TDSB facilities (including fire safety plans, and accessibility plans). These site and floor plans are an essential tool, used by Toronto Police Service Toronto Fire Service in the event of emergencies, are required for the Ministry's annual room use survey and are the foundation of the TDSB's enterprise-level GIS property maps application