Page 10 - AYLEEE White Paper test

Subashini T,
'Sustainable Design,' Calgary
Infrastructure is a vital step towards a greener future. Even though new schools and houses are sometimes being built in environmentally friendly ways, there are still many old buildings that waste unbelievable amounts of energy. Older schools need new features such as proper waste disposal, efficient lighting, and renewable energy sources. Second, it should be easier to get money to make these necessary updates. With the new budget cuts, it is harder than ever for schools, communities, and individuals to prioritize the cost of sustainable infrastructure and environmentally friendly transitions. Finally, students should play an active role in bringing about these updates. Introducing more sustainable and ecologically focused school buildings can teach students not only about current problems, but also the solutions. The school environment is a great model of these changes, allowing students to gain access to new learning spaces and real-life sustainable opportunities.
We do not yet have compost bins in every classroom and student education on waste reduction and infrastructure use is still not advocated for as thoroughly as necessary. In our view, new composting programs and initiatives that have been introduced across Alberta have drastically overlooked school systems. The latest reports done by the Alberta government regarding composting and waste management in schools were last updated in the early 2000s, and the last time composting was reviewed in schools was in a 1995 document called, “Composting goes to school: Teacher's guide.” This guide outlined how composting should be introduced to students and its importance to be highlighted.
We strongly advocate that the government encourage students to start their own initiatives, making it easier for students to put their input into the school renovations. One way the government could help is to provide grants, education, and incentives, such as credits, for students who participate in making their school a more environmentally-friendly place. One recommendation is that a student environmental advisory committee be part of the decision-making when it comes to infrastructure changes and budget changes.
“I want to be part of the Energy Transition, building structures that power our schools, remove waste
and grow our own food.”
- JJ Dugan, Lacombe Composite High School
2020 Recommendations by Students
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