Conseil scolaire Grand Nord has climbed into the top three of Ontario’s most energy-efficient school boards, taking the third-place spot in the 2026 Top Energy Performing School Boards report published by Sustainable Schools.
Improvement on last year’s showing
The board, which serves Francophone students in Northern Ontario, improved on a fourth-place finish in 2025. In a press release, board officials attributed the advance to sustained, practical measures to lower consumption across their facilities and to a community-wide focus on sustainability.
Those measures, the release said, included targeted investments in building operations and a disciplined approach to managing energy use. The results, it added, were the product of a coordinated effort involving maintenance teams, administrators, teachers, students and local partners.
Leadership comments and strategy
"Achieving third place in Ontario is a testament to the outstanding commitment of our entire school community to sustainability,"
said director of education Carl Dussault in the release. The board also quoted superintendent of business Shannon Chevrier, who linked the ranking to strategic decision-making and targeted investment.
The board described the recognition as confirmation that an organisational culture rooted in innovation and environmental responsibility is taking hold. Officials thanked staff, students and community partners for their ongoing engagement.
What the ranking means locally
For families and taxpayers, higher energy performance in school buildings can mean a range of tangible benefits: lower utility costs for school boards, a smaller environmental footprint, and the potential to reallocate savings into classroom resources. For students, hands-on sustainability projects and reduced energy waste present learning opportunities that align with provincial and national environmental goals.
Local maintenance staff and school administrators often lead the day-to-day work that drives improvements: fine-tuning heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, improving lighting controls, sealing building envelopes and adjusting operational schedules.
How the board achieved its rank
The press release did not list every initiative, but highlighted an emphasis on optimisation and responsible resource management. Common strategies boards use — and which the release indicates were part of Grand Nord’s approach — include:
- Systematic monitoring and benchmarking of energy use;
- Retrofits to lighting and HVAC equipment;
- Behavioural programs with staff and students to reduce waste;
- Collaboration with local partners for grants and technical support.
Year-to-year comparison
| Year | Provincial ranking |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 4th |
| 2026 | 3rd |
Officials framed the 2026 placement not only as an accolade but as evidence that sustained, incremental efforts can yield measurable outcomes. The board pointed to a continued upward trajectory and the intent to remain an example for other school authorities.
Broader context
Across Ontario, boards vary widely in building stock, climate challenges and available capital for retrofits. Northern boards often contend with older facilities and more extreme winter conditions, factors that can affect heating demand. Against that context, an improvement in provincial ranking signals that operational changes and investments can overcome structural challenges.
For other boards looking to follow Grand Nord’s example, collaboration with provincial programs and community partners — as well as clear internal leadership and engagement of the whole school community — appear to be recurring themes in successful energy-performance strategies.
Conseil scolaire Grand Nord said it will continue to prioritise energy efficiency and sustainability in its planning, with the intention of maintaining and building on the gains reflected in the 2026 report.
Local residents and school communities can expect further updates as the board implements ongoing measures and reports on future performance.
