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Westwood second greenest school in Canada

Last Updated Oct 3, 2018 at 7:55 am MDT

PHOTO. Supplied. Fort McMurray Public School District.

Westwood Community High School’s green initiatives placed them second in Canada’s Greenest School 2018 competition hosted by the Canada Green Building Council.

The competition judges schools on their “efficient use of resources and reduced environmental impact, enhanced health and learning among students, teachers and staff, and emphasis on sustainability and resource-conservation education.”

The school was chosen for its innovative approach to sustainability while engaging students and the community.

Westwood is the first school in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo to launch green initiatives which range from a farm to table program to eliminating their dependence on municipal water for its gardens through rainwater harvesting.

Johnny Dulko, science teacher at the school said the group entered the competition two years ago. When they didn’t place, they knew they had to step up their game.

“We felt ready this spring and highlighted our sustainability efforts. Our kids have worked with students from other schools like Lacombe, so it was nice to see their friends get first place. We will definitely apply again.”

Lacombe Composite High School tied for first place with Trinity College School in Port Hope, Ontario.

Westwood also won Samsung Canada’s Solve for Tomorrow Challenge for the Western Region back in June.