Surrey Board of Education declares climate emergency

The Surrey Board of Education has declared a climate emergency, committing to continue to strive for a greener and cleaner future.

A motion was passed at the May public board meeting and follows a climate change presentation at last month's meeting by a delegation of parents, teachers, and students.

Trustee Garry Thind, who introduced the motion, highlighted some of the district's environmentally focused initiatives, including retrofitting schools with more efficient energy systems to reduce natural gas consumption, monitoring emissions in district buildings, and aligning capital projects to decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

"Surrey Schools employs staff dedicated to sustainability and energy management initiatives," said Thind.

During the meeting, each trustee received a personalized letter written by students from Pacific Heights Elementary, urging them to make the declaration.

"We want people to use fewer fossil fuels... and we want to protect trees and animal habitats," Thind read from his letter. "We need clean water and air... kids deserve to be heard and to have a healthy world to live in. You can help make a difference."

Trustee Bob Holmes, who seconded the motion, noted the declaration would set an example for others in the province and further support the environmental efforts of staff and students in the district. He also encouraged the community to continue promoting a cleaner future.

"We will continue to work on what we can do for climate change," said Holmes.

The declaration comes after Surrey Schools was recognized last month as one of Canada's Greenest Employers of 2023.