THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE PRESENTS: 
THE GREEN PROJECTS PROGRAM                                    Only Until March 19, 2008

Program Criteria: The Board approved a Green Allowance in the 2006 – 2008 School Renewal Program. The intention of the Green Allowance is to fund projects that are of benefit to the environment and that promote environmental stewardship within the school. Schools have an opportunity to apply for funding for a “green” project based on the following criteria:

- The project must be a built project – that improves the building, the building systems (mechanical system for example) or the school grounds;

- The project must have a positive impact on the environment

- The minimum level of funding is $10,000 and the maximum level of funding is $50,000;

- Each school may apply for funding for one project;

- The project funding must be committed (tendered) by August 31, 2008 and completed by December 31, 2008.

- Schools must provide a three year maintenance plan demonstrating how the project will be maintained and supported at the school and community level (if applicable). 

Application Deadline: Schools must complete and submit the attached application form to the Board’s Environment Committee by March 19, 2008. Application forms are to be emailed to vincent.citriniti@tcdsb.org  or sent through the Board’s internal mail delivery system to:

The Environment Committee
c/o Vincent Citriniti, Program Coordinator, Science Department,
Catholic Education Centre, 80 Sheppard Ave East – 2^nd floor

Applications can be downloaded from the TCDSB webpage under the Go Green Page:
www.tcdsb.org/environment  

Timeline: The Environment Committee will review the applications and submit recommendations to Directors Council. The intention is to notify schools by early/mid April, 2008 with regards to funding approval. Funds are to be committed (tendered and awarded) no later than August 31^st, 2008 and the work is to be completed by December 31, 2008. 

Funding Information: Minimum project funding is $10,000 and the maximum funding for a project is $50,000. Qualifying projects must improve the existing physical plant, that is – the school building, the building systems or the school grounds. The funds can not be directed towards equipment. Both elementary and secondary schools may apply for funding, however schools may only apply for funding for one project. The Board’s Purchasing Policy must be followed with regards to buying materials and/or engaging contractors. The release of funds for payments of invoices will be administered by the Renewal Department. Project invoices will be reviewed by the school and submitted to the Renewal Department for payment. 

Project Implementation: Schools will be responsible for the planning, design, the scope of work, and the budget of the project. Schools are also responsible for obtaining a building permit (if required).  Each school will be assigned a technical support staff person, from either the Operations or Renewal Department, to assist with the project design, implementation and construction phases. Schools may engage a facilitator (consultant) to assist with the design and preparing of project specifications. Facilitators’ fees should be included in the project budget. Non-profit environmental groups such as Trees Davenport and Evergreen, for example, may provide assistance to schools with the planning, design and maintenance of a “green” project.  

Role of Technical Support Staff: The Board’s technical support staff person assigned will provide assistance and administer the project as follows:

- Provide electronic and hard copies of base building and site drawings as required;

- Set up a project kick-off meeting with a facilitator where necessary;

- Guide the project through the tendering process including preparing the tender package, issuing the tender and reviewing tender results with the school;      

- Prepare the tender report to Directors Council and issue the Purchase Order to the contractor and/or facilitator;

- Supervise the project during construction and liaise with the school  in terms of reviewing progress and budget, processing payments and change orders;

- Review and follow-up project maintenance program with the school; 

Role of the School Project Team: The school’s project team will be responsible for the planning, design, scope of work, and budget for the project. Each school must provide a primary contact person who will be available throughout the construction process, including during the summer (if the construction work is to be undertaken during the summer). The primary contact person will be responsible for reviewing invoices, changes to the project cost, scope of work and/or schedule. A primary contact person will also be responsible for providing information regarding the maintenance of the project for a three year period.    

Role of project facilitator: Schools may engage a project facilitator (consultant) to assist with the design, preparation of project specifications, and project quality control. A list of pre-qualified facilitators has been provided in this appendix 

Exterior Greening projects: It is anticipated that many schools will be interested in exterior greening projects that involve shade islands, tree planting and garden projects. As such, the Environment Committee will organize information session(s) to assist schools with the planning and maintenance of a “green” project. The date and location for the information session(s) will be posted on the Board’s web site and e-mailed to all schools that submitted application forms for exterior greening projects. 

EcoSchools: Schools are encouraged to consider becoming a certified EcoSchool (refer to http://www.tcdsb.org/environment) as a means of further committing to a program of environmental stewardship in the school.  

Organizations for extra funding or resources:

List of qualified project facilitators:

·        Victor Ford (Victor Ford and Associates) 
416-703-0081

·        Ron Bernasch (JSW +)                       
905-889-8100

·        Kim Allerton (Northwood & Associates)
519-794-2737

·        Ken Hoyle (KJHSPM)                                                      
519-740-0229 

Questions – please submit any questions by e-mail to the Environment Committee c/o Vincent Citriniti, vincent.citriniti@tcdsb.org

• Green Projects Program Application Form and Appendix

• Criteria for Assessment of Green Projects

• Projects Program Guidelines, Appendix A