Ongoing Initiatives

Energy Stewardship Program

The TCDSB is trying to build a culture of Energy Conservation. There are a couple of projects that are assisting with improving awareness.

Remote Computer Shut-down – All networked computers are shut-down remotely from the CEC each night at 8pm.

EcoSchools Program – Please see the EcoSchools tab for more information.

Relaunch Recycling

The TCDSB is affirming its commitment to waste diversion by inaugurating a new recycling initiative at its head office, the Catholic Education Centre.

• All disposable dishware in the building will be replaced with reusable ceramic dishes.
• Individuals using a reusable travel mug will be given a discount on coffee or tea.
• Each employee will be provided with both a smaller garbage recepticle and larger recycling bin in an effort to increase capture rates.
• A minimum of bi-annual waste audits will take place at the CEC to determine the effectiveness of new waste diversion initiatives
• Reusable Travel Mugs and Water Bottles can be purchased from the TCDSB environmental Committee to encourage reuse.
   

 PLEASE NOTE: The City of Toronto has gone to a single-stream recycling system – all recyclables (paper, plastic, aluminium, glass, cardboard, etc.) may go into the same recycling bin.

For information on how to participate contact Paul Deighan, Officer – (Waste Management), 416-222-8282 x2177, paul.deighan@tcdsb.org

Environmental Auditing

The TCDSB, in an effort to fully understand their ecological footprint, and in compliance with current provincial legislation, is designing a comprehensive waste auditing process.

• Currently, we are piloting various auditing techniques in elementary and secondary school environments, as well as at administrative centres.
• Our goal is to create a self-sustaining system which maximizes student involvement, and provides exceptional waste reduction opportunities.
• To request an audit at your school, contact Paul Deighan Recycling/Waste Management, 416-222-8282 x2177, paul.deighan@tcdsb.org.
   

Caretaker Cleaning Supplies Contract

Chemical & Cleaning Products:

The TCDSB is proud to announce our new custodial cleaning supply contractor, Flexo Products Limited (www.flexoproducts.com). Flexo, has been a manufacturer and distributor of cleaning products in Ontario since 1918. The combination of manufacturing and distribution gives Flexo the ability to offer excellent value, combining modern products with superb logistics. Highlights of the new program include: 

• Use of Patriot brand, Ecologo certified cleaners for general purpose cleaning, floor care and window cleaning. These “green” registered products offer both biodegradability and low toxicity to help reduce contaminants in our schools.
• Use of Flexo’s newest Perennial Plus high solids floor finish with ultra low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). The product has a very tough, high gloss finish, and reduces labour by dramatically increasing the time between stripping.   
• Reduction in the quantity of products used by custodians, making for a safer, less hazardous and less complicated work environment.
• Installation of new dispensing equipment that accurately dilutes chemicals to give the best value for the board.
• Transition to a virtually paperless ordering system that includes budget control, supervisor authentication, and MSDS access.
• Delivery from Flexo’s location at Norfinch Drive, very central to most of the board’s schools.
• Ongoing product evaluation and testing through the board’s evaluation committee and Flexo’s management team.   

Paper Supplies:

The TCDSB is proud to announce that our new custodial paper supply contractor is Mister Chemical Ltd. (www.mistershemical.com)

Bag Supplies:

The TCDSB is proud to announce that our new custodial garbage and recycling bag supplier is Morgan Scott Partnership. The bags that have been selected are of a biodegradable material, which is more environmentally responsible than the previous bags that were being used to collect waste material. (www.morganscott-online.ca)