Sustainability at the VSB

VSB plays a vital role in shaping sustainability and climate action. The Environmental Sustainability Plan (2026–2032) builds on sustainability action to date, and incorporates input from formal stakeholders, inherent rights holders, educators, students and their families. It aligns with provincial GHG emissions reduction targets and VSB’s Education Plan, ensuring our actions support both environmental stewardship and student learning. The Sustainability Plan is structured into five theme areas with objectives and actions that reflect current sustainability priorities at the VSB.

Five Theme Areas:

• Leadership in Sustainability – Embed sustainability in VSB’s culture and decision-making, ensuring accountability and transparency.
• Sustainability in Education – Empower students and educators with hands-on sustainability learning and land-based education opportunities.
• Green Spaces – Enhance biodiversity and outdoor learning environments across school sites.
• Sustainable Transportation – Promote active travel and electrify fleet vehicles to reduce emissions.
• Resource Conservation & Climate Action – Reduce waste, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and improve efficiency in energy, water, and resource use while improving our schools’ climate resilience.

Advancing Climate Action and Sustainability 

The updated objectives and actions in this plan aim to create healthier schools, reduce environmental impact, and empower educators and students to lead sustainability efforts. It guides actions that combine operational improvements with educational benefits. Successful implementation of the plan relies on sustained capital and grant funding to ensure continuous progress and upholds VSB’s commitment to providing safe, healthy, and climate-resilient learning environments.

One of our most significant opportunities is developing conscientious citizens. We recognize the need for a strong focus on the educational aspects of sustainability – connecting students to the natural world, empowering personal action, and supporting critical thinking in all our learners.

Guiding Principles

The following principles will help advance the objectives in the plan. They are built upon the values statement from the Education Plan, offer strategic alignment to the organization, and will guide sustainability efforts for VSB.

1. Empowering our VSB community

The actions in this plan are shaped by the needs and interests of students, educators, and staff. We will support and facilitate the efforts of the many people across VSB who are already leading sustainability, while empowering others to join the effort.

2. Enhancing Learning through Sustainability

VSB’s most unique opportunity to advance sustainability is through our mandate to help prepare students to be active, productive and socially responsible citizens. Sustainability initiatives should support student learning and be connected to the curriculum, enabling educators to bring these topics into the classroom.

3. Aligning Projects for Lasting Improvements

VSB will focus on projects that have the biggest impact. This includes work that supports climate goals and fits with long-term plans for building upgrades and safety improvements. Projects will be prioritized when they offer lasting benefits through the asset’s useful life and align with other major initiatives.

“If we want children to flourish we need to give them time to connect with nature and love the Earth before we ask them to save it!” - David Sobel