As record-breaking heatwaves grip Ontario, many school boards are facing public pressure to close schools or send students home early due to a lack of air conditioning. But at the 91pro视频 (HCDSB), students and staff are staying cool and comfortable 鈥� thanks to a long-term facilities strategy that includes air conditioning in every classroom, in every school.
What makes this even more remarkable? In June 2025, HCDSB was ranked聽#1 in the province for energy efficiency聽for the second year in a row by Sustainable Schools鈥櫬�Top Energy Performing School 91pro视频s Report聽鈥� proving that comfort and conservation don鈥檛 have to be at odds.
鈥�There鈥檚 been a lot of conversation lately about the challenges schools are facing with the extreme heat,鈥� said Ryan Merrick, Chief Operations and Sustainability Officer. 鈥�At HCDSB, every one of our schools is equipped with full ventilation and air conditioning in every classroom 鈥� not just select areas. It鈥檚 something we鈥檝e prioritized through long-term planning to ensure our schools remain comfortable learning environments year-round.鈥�
The achievement highlights HCDSB鈥檚 proactive approach to balancing sustainability with student well-being. Through smart infrastructure planning, efficient HVAC systems, and ongoing energy monitoring, the board has proven that comfort can be achieved聽without compromise.
鈥淲hat makes us especially proud is that we鈥檝e been able to achieve this while continuing to lead the province in energy efficiency,鈥澛�said John Klein, Director of Education.聽鈥淭hat鈥檚 a credit to the thoughtful planning of our Facilities Team, and to the staff and students at each of our schools who continue to do their part every day to support our sustainability goals.鈥�
As temperatures continue to soar, HCDSB is setting a powerful example for how school boards can prioritize student health and learning 鈥� without sacrificing sustainability.
