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Earth Hour

Earth Hour

What is Earth Hour?

Earth Hour, is a world-wide celebration where millions of people around the world turn off their lights for one hour to tackle the dual challenges facing the planet – climate change and loss of nature. Earth Hour started off as a lights-off event in Sydney, Australia, in 2007. It has grown to engage 192 countries and territories to raise awareness for energy consumption and effects on the environment. By turning off non-essential electricity, participants join a global movement to raise awareness and take action for a healthy planet. For more information, please visit Earth Hour Reports.

How to take part?

During Earth Hour, TDSB schools and offices are asked to go as electricity-free as possible for ONE HOUR on March 22nd at 2pm. Wherever possible, our schools and offices will turn off all interior lighting (except necessary emergency lights), any non-essential electronics and powerbars.

In 2011, the TDSB experienced its highest reduction in energy usage (29.9%.) at schools and offices. This year energy reduction will be tracked at each TDSB school, with the top 25 Elementary and Secondary schools getting a shout out! Let’s make this year our biggest energy reduction ever!

Educators and Students:

Earth Hour presents a great opportunity to raise awareness about environmental issues and run campaigns focused on energy conservation and climate change. Its sharp focus allows you to undertake as little or as much awareness and action building as your school is ready for. The TDSB Earth Hour poster/checklist can serve as an organizing tool for classroom or school-wide endeavours:

Community:

This Earth Hour on March 23rd, millions around the world will be turning off the lights and speaking up why nature matters. Families and community members can participate from 8:30 to 9:30 pm. Consider registering your actions or event at the Global Earth Hour website.

Connect with us

Share your #TDSBEarthHour actions with @EcoSchoolsTDSB. Tell us if your school is already going beyond Earth Hour itself! Do students take an active role in organizing the campaign? Inspire and challenge other schools across the city.

2023 Results!

Shout out to Indian Road JPS & Dr. Norman Bethune CI for the top spots!

Overall, the top 25 Elementary and High Schools did a great job to reduce their electricy use! Thanks to everyone who participated in Earth Hour 2023, and we hope you continue throughout the year to reduce energy consumption.

  Elementary % Saved Secondary % Saved
1 INDIAN ROAD CRES. JR PS   88% DR. NORMAN BETHUNE CI   30%
2 MONTROSE JR PS  60% YORK HUMBER HS  24%
3 WOBURN JR PS  52% AGINCOURT CI  21%
4 PAULINE JOHNSON JR PS   48% SIR WILLIAM OSLER HS   15%
5 BLANTYRE PS  45% WOBURN CI  15%
6 HERITAGE PARK PS  44% LAKESHORE CI  13%
7 KENNEDY PS  39% NORTHVIEW HEIGHTS SS   12%
8 PARK LAWN JMS  39% HEYDON PARK SS  12%
9 ARBOR GLEN PS  38% MARC GARNEAU CI  11%
10 FOREST MANOR PS  37% VICTORIA PARK SS  11%
11 FIRGROVE PS  36% NORTH ALBION CI  10%
12 CLAIRLEA PS  36% DR MARION HILLIARD and Lester B Pearson CI   9%
13 RUNNYMEDE JR and SR PS   34% HUMBERSIDE CI  9%
14 DAVID LEWIS PS  33% FOREST HILL CI  8%
15 HUMBER VALLEY VILLAGE JMS   33% WILLIAM LYON MACKENZIE CI   6%
16 ST MARGARETS PS  33% LAMOREAUX CI  6%
17 LUCY MCCORMICK SCHOOL SR   29% RICHVIEW CI  6%
18 MILLWOOD JS  28% WEST HUMBER CI  5%
19 CHARLES GORDON SR PS   26% MARTINGROVE CI  5%
20 NORTHLEA E and MS   23% WEST HILL CI  5%
21 JOSEPH BRANT SR PS   22% JOHN BUCHAN SPS and Stephen Leacock CI   5%
22 ROSE AVENUE PS  20% SIR WILFRID LAURIER CI   5%
23 PORTAGE TRAIL CJS   17% CENTRAL ETOBICOKE HS   4%
24 MCKEE PS  15% EMERY CI  4%
25 NORTH AGINCOURT JR PS   8% DOWNSVIEW SS  4%