Destination Conservation Saskatchewan

What is Destination Conservation?

Destination Conservation Saskatchewan (DCS) is a practical, student-driven, activity-based program that brings environmental education alive in our schools. A cooperative team of students, teachers, principals, custodians and parents work together with DCS partners in this multi-year program. DCS helps students and staff save energy, conserve water and reduce waste while at the same time saving money! Once the program is complete 20-30% savings in utility bills are typically realized. See past energy savings.

A student team with a lead teacher is responsible for initiating school wide events such as “Lights Out” campaigns. In addition, manuals are given with activities that support the current Saskatchewan curriculum.

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Destination Conservation Saskatchewan Includes:

The strength of the DCS program is in its support services, tools and products.  DCS staff provide the following resources to participating schools:

• Workshops — the DCS consultants work with school staff, parents, teachers and students several times a year in workshops that provide the training for implementing DCS in the school and classroom.

• Manuals — DCS provides lesson plans referenced to the Saskatchewan curriculum; materials for students to audit their school, and outlines for Lifestyle Campaigns.

• Curriculum Links — DCS activities and resources support the Saskatchewan curriculum (PDF)

• Internet Resources — SES provides support via its web site www.environmentalsociety.ca. The website includes more detailed information on the overall DCS program, sample lifestyle campaigns, and information on energy conservation and other environmental issues. 
• DCS Display — a large, eye-catching display is available for schools to track their progress through the DCS program.
• Home Guides — teachers can work from four resource guides to create home-based conservation activities.
• Annual Celebration — an annual celebration to celebrate the students’ achievements in each participating school division.

Workshop Schedule (PDF)
Workshop Description (PDF)

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Technical Component- Not Mandatory, but a potential option

While the educational services of DCS can, on their own, provide schools with valuable educational resources and processes, and energy savings, the full impact of the program is apparent when education is integrated with building retrofits. The DCS Coordinator (link to contact) can help you decide which of the following program approaches will work best for your school division.

• SaskPower Energy Solutions SaskPower Energy Solutions can provide comprehensive energy management services including energy audits, engineering design, project management, technology installation, and financing options.
• Another Energy Services Company can assist with energy retrofits.
• School divisions may choose to manage their own energy retrofit program.
• SES could assist school divisions with obtaining energy audits, and planning retrofits for their buildings.

DCS can also offer technical training to custodial and division facilities staff. This training covers energy conservation principles, building management for energy conservation and new technologies, and retrofits. This program is known as Building Operator Training (BOT). In addition, another program Energy Awareness (EA) is a suitable session for teachers and staff.

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Who is involved in the program?

A successful program requires involvement from many levels in the school and school division as well as the DCS consultant team and other partners such as SaskPower Energy Solutions. At the school division level it is important to involve a facilities representative and a curriculum representative. Schools should also assemble a school Conservation Team that includes:

• Lead Student(s)
• School Principal
• Lead Teacher
• Custodian
• Lead Parent

The school Conservation Team acts as a liaison between the school, DCS representatives, and the community. The Conservation Team, particularly the lead teacher, supports the establishment of a Conservation Club or Class. Student members of this club or class provide the leadership needed to involve the entire school population in conservation awareness and action. One of the first major activities pursued by this group is an energy audit of their school.

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Schools Savings Data | Acknowledgments | Prospectus | How to Get Started