The City of Richmond announced the winner of its sanctioned Climate Change Showdown:
Richmond B.C. - Students from William Bridge Elementary School have won the City of Richmond’s eighth annual Climate Change Showdown. The school’s students each saved an average of 1.5 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. Their first place win is a clear demonstration on how simple actions can help curb climate change.
The winning students were recognized for their efforts by Richmond city council at its June 22 meeting.
The Climate Change Showdown is a four week take-home contest that teaches students about climate change and the various actions people can take to help stop global warming. The BC Sustainable Energy Association, in partnership with the City of Richmond and the Richmond School District, delivers the Climate Change Showdown program to elementary school classes. Students learn about solutions to climate change through activities and games and are encouraged to adopt everyday habits that reduce community GHG emissions. The program also promotes other sustainable initiatives, including waste reduction, water conservation and opting for local foods.
This year, the Climate Change Showdown saved 242 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere, the equivalent of taking over 50 passenger vehicles off the road. Since the program’s inception, more than 7,500 Richmond elementary school students have been engaged. Together, these students have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by over 4,800 tonnes.
Action on climate change is a core priority for the City of Richmond. The 2041 Official Community Plan establishes targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 33 per cent below 2007 levels by 2020, and 80 per cent by 2050. Richmond’s 2014 Community Energy and Emissions Plan is the City’s strategic blueprint to realize emissions reductions. Through initiatives like EnergySave Richmond, the Building Energy Challenge, and the Richmond Carbon Marketplace, the City is helping residents and businesses save money on energy while curbing climate change.
For more information on the Climate Change Showdown, visit www.bcsea.org. Learn more about opportunities to save money on energy and reduce emissions at www.energy.richmond.ca
