Laura Bamsey is the director of programs for the Elements Society.
From changing a lightbulb to controlling heating systems, maintenance and custodial staff are vital in schools’ day-to-day operations. And they are just as vital in the success of energy management and sustainability projects.
Destination Conservation (DC) is an environmental education program run by the Elements Society in Alberta and British Columbia. It was started in the 1980s to help schools realize the full benefits of energy projects through custodial training and student workshops.
“There was a disconnect between projects that were going on and the behaviour in the schools,” said Laura Bamsey, director of programs for the Elements Society.
“The savings from energy projects weren’t being realized.”
Working alongside custodial staff in energy, waste and water projects encourages “behaviour change.”
The custodial training workshops have been happening on-and-off in Alberta and British Columbia since the organization’s inception. Custodial staff are also invited to attend the student-focused workshops. In some cases, custodial staff have even led teams of students in sustainability projects.
“It’s tied together. The idea being that the students are doing work and there is custodial training lets the custodial staff know what is being done in their school. So there is some connection there,” said Bamsey.
All schools differ in their relationship between staff and students, and custodial staff are no exception. No matter the existing relationship, Bamsey explained the best way to engage custodial staff is get students involved too.
“Student projects can seem like extra work for custodial staff. You need to touch it delicately and make sure a relationship already exists,” she said.
“Often staff are interested in working with kids and students.”
From inviting staff to work with students to encouraging students to write letters to custodial staff, nurturing this relationship can benefit everyone involved.
“It can actually help with their work instead of making it more challenging, but keeping open communication is key.”
Waste reductions, improved waste management and cooperation with turning off lights and electronics are all tangible benefits for custodial staff to work with the school community.
Respect from students, teachers and administration improves when they know all the ways custodial and maintenance improve the school. This respect can go on to benefit energy programs too.