NORTH BATTLEFORD - Students from École Monseigneur Blaise Morand in North Battleford had the opportunity on May 16 to learn how energy efficiency and sustainability have evolved in buildings with a joint school program between the Western Development Museum and the Saskatchewan Environmental Society, sponsored by Sask Energy.
From May 8 to May 26, 2023, the WDM in North Battleford has hosted Grade 7 students for a half day of learning about energy efficiency in homes, which include interactive 'Smarter Science Better Buildings' (SSBB) displays, and exploration of the museum galleries and buildings to better understand how building sustainability has developed over the last 100 years.
"...we just thought it was a great opportunity for students to learn about proper building, and the way that we should be going in the future, with the chance for them to also be able to compare them with our buildings of the past," said Heather O'Neill, program coordinator for the North Battleford WDM.
"...it's a good opportunity for them to see the difference in the buildings and the innovate ways we've grown over the years."
Throughout the day, students were asked to consider energy efficiency and sustainable building methods used in the past, comparing them to today.
Sask Energy has sponsored bus subsidies for schools for the last five years as the program has toured WDM's across Saskatchewan.
"We like programs like this because it enriches the community, provides better learning opportunities," said Dawn Bebell, the SaskEnergy representative speaking to the students.
She noted to the News-Optimist/SASKTODAY.ca. that the program also teaches children how their lifestyles have become more sustainable.
"...those kind of goals are really important for SaskEnergy."
