Activities: Central

OPSEU & Energy Conservation Week (ECW) – May 25 - 31

OPSEU is taking part in Energy Conservation Week, organized by the Ontario Power Authority from May 25 to 31. We are asking all OPSEU members to participate in “Count Every Kilowatt Day” on May 29th.which is “a day intended to demonstrate the power of individual initiatives on the province’s overall conservation goals. Ontarians will be encouraged to “Take Part. Take Action” as we monitor Ontario’s energy consumption” (ECW website).

The ECW website has many tips and ideas to help you reduce your energy footprint.

Check the OPSEU website and our GreenUnion blog for more information. With over 120,000 members, OPSEU members can make a big difference.

ECW is also opportunity to let you know about some of the major initiatives underway as part of Greening OPSEU – our 8 point environmental program.

Here’s what else OPSEU is up to for Energy Conservation Week (and beyond):

1. Greenhouse gas reduction targets announcement
   Following on the unanimous Greening OPSEU Convention resolution in 2006, OPSEU sought the advice of outside experts who produced a report that has been guiding OPSEU’s work on the environment. That report sets out a number of ambitious, but achievable goals. The initial 3-year implementation plan has been extended to 2010. The next milestone was to set measurable targets. On May 15th, the Executive Board adopted a greenhouse gas reduction target policy. Targets are set between 2% & 3% annually until 2040. This will represent an 80% reduction over 2006 levels. More to follow.
2. Lighting improvements at Lesmill
   In late 2007, OPSEU hired a small team of green energy consultants to have a look at the buildings we own. Their reports have a number of recommendations for investments and improvements in our buildings that will both reduce our energy consumption and save money. The main focus for this year will be on lighting at head office - 100 Lesmill Road and the boiler and windows at the Toronto Regional Office on Wellesley St. OPSEU’s building staff have now converted the head office stairwell lighting from incandescent to compact fluorescent. Those energy savings are the equivalent to that of 6 average homes plus savings on maintenance. This one measure represents about 5% of the target for head office electricity reduction for 2008. Other lighting changes have also been made and are being planned.
3. Raise office temperature by 2 degrees in OPSEU-owned offices
   A 2 degree rise in temperature should be hardly noticeable but will make a big difference in electricity consumption. Staff members are encouraged to dress comfortably and casually for the week.
4. Notice of intent to ban private, bottled drinking water at OPSEU events & facilities
   OPSEU policy says that “Public services must not be provided by private firms or individuals whose profit-seeking priorities and lack of accountability are incompatible with public services.”  Post-Walkerton policy states that drinking water should be tested by public laboratories. The production and transportation of private, bottled water uses a lot of energy, contributes to greenhouse gases and produces mountains of waste. It is also costly. As such, OPSEU, like many other organizations, is moving toward a total ban on bottled water using our existing policies as a guide. The target for OPSEU to be completely bottled-water free is November 1, 2008 (except under extenuating circumstances). Detailed plans to follow. See our fact sheet on bottled water.
5. Head office Energy Conservation Week meeting
   It is hoped that next year’s ECW event will be province-wide. For this year, there will be a 30 minute staff meeting on May 27th at head office to discuss Energy Conservation Week and to provide staff with an update on the Greening OPSEU program.

6. Join the “Green Stewards” email distribution list
   For regular updates, breaking news, interesting stories and links, email Greening OPSEU’s MDT – Gary Shaul to subscribe to periodic emails and join a growing network of more than 150 concerned members.

In solidarity

Patty Rout, 1st Vice President / Treasurer
OPSEU Environment Committee