Session on new green school in Walden

Rainbow District School Board will host a public information session about the green features at the new Walden Public School in Lively on Nov. 19.

The information session will begin at 7 p.m. in the gymnasium of the new school at 249 Sixth Avenue in Lively. Everyone is welcome.

“Walden Public School is a model for sustainable development,” said Rainbow District School Board director of education, Jean Hanson.

Green features include geothermal heating and cooling systems, radiant floor heating, displacement ventilation, energy efficient fixtures, occupancy sensors, waterless urinals and a wind turbine.

“With this new school, the board is exploring the possibility of building a carbon neutral facility, where the energy that is used is equal to the energy that is produced,” said Hanson. “We are well on our way towards achieving this vision and look forward to sharing our progress with the community.”

There are many benefits to building high performance facilities, from education, environmental and economic perspectives. “Go green features protect the natural environment, provide a healthy, hands-on place to learn, reduce energy consumption and operating expenses, and make new schools exceptional learning and teaching tools for students and staff,” said Hanson.

Students from Jessie Hamilton Public School and George Vanier Public School will be moving into the new Walden Public School in mid-November. The school offers English and French Immersion programs in JK to Grade 6.

Walden Public School is Rainbow District School Board’s second green school. Valley View Public School, the first green school in Northern Ontario, opened in September 2007.