HRSB hopeful new campaign makes schools more green

HALIFAX – The Halifax Regional School Board is hoping a new campaign helps it cut high utility costs.

The Lights Off, Green On campaign was officially unveiled Tuesday at Duc D’Anville Elementary School.

The school is the winner of a logo contest for the environmentally friendly campaign.

Winners Myah Bowley and Jacqueline Coleman, both in grade six, developed the idea together.

“When I hear lights, I think of a light bulb so I basically drew a light bulb. When it said Green On, rather than a white light coming from it, I pictured a green glow in darkness,” said Bowley.

“Lights Off, Green On sticks in your head,” said Coleman. “Before you drop garbage on the ground or something like that, you think Lights Off, Green On.”

The program involves energy efficient lighting, low flow toilets as well as wall and window upgrades.

Ron Heimen, director of operation services for HRSB, said the school board expects to see a savings of $2 million annually once upgrades in the schools are complete in three years.

“We recognize energy is a huge part of our budget. We wanted to not only reduce our cost but also create a culture of energy stewardship,” he said.

Upgrades are already underway and will be implemented in 137 schools across the school board.