Selkirk Students to Calculate High School’s Carbon Footprint

Dec 03, 2009

When presented with an opportunity to take action on climate change via the High School Climate Challenge, a group of Selkirk students didn’t hesitate to sign up for the Climate Action Team to get the ball rolling.

As part of the Challenge, which is supported by Wildsight’s local Climate Solutions program, Selkirk’s Climate Action Team will conduct an energy audit of the school, establish Selkirk’s "carbon footprint", and identify opportunities for greenhouse gas emission reductions.

The Team’s research will include collecting and compiling data on the school’s use of electricity, natural gas, and water, as well as the amount of solid waste generated on a monthly and yearly basis.

As one of only thirty schools in Canada doing the High School Climate Challenge and the only school in BC’s Interior, Selkirk is part of a pioneering group of leaders. But leadership isn’t the only motivation.

By participating in this unique hands-on learning experience, Climate Action Team members will help Selkirk become a greener and more energy efficient school, and will benefit from gaining a solid "leg up" towards the fast growing green jobs market. Says principal Mark Wilkins, "I think something like this is long overdue. Our students need to be involved in environmental education. It’s their future."

The High School Climate Challenge was created in 2008 through a partnership between Clean Air Champions and the Sierra Youth Coalition. Clean Air Champions is a national organization providing opportunities for respected Canadian athletes and Olympians to motivate and educate Canadians about environmental and personal health. The Sierra Youth Coalition is run by youth for youth with a vision of involving Canadian youth in pressing environmental issues.

Local hosting of the High School Climate Challenge at Selkirk High School was made possible through funding by the Columbia Basin Trust.

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Climate Action Team students: Brea Agnew, Adrian Wilkinson-Glavurtic, Cara Blackwell, Genevieve Johnston, Shandi Soobotin, Amanda Giberson, Shane Daniels, Eliot Siefried, Kyle Wilkinson-Glavurtic, Sharra Peasley, Leah Thompson, Madison Tuff-Overs; Climate Action Team mentoring and support: Ali Burton, Ingrid Liepa and Tom Martin

For more information, contact Tom Martin (250) 427-4827. Ingrid Liepa (250) 520-0059