One initiative that has been most successful is the reduction of
school bus idling. Initial observations at a number of schools
indicated that some buses were arriving as much as 30 minutes before
dismissal time and idling the entire time while waiting for the
students. Not only was this creating air quality problems outside the
schools, the diesel fumes were entering the buildings through windows,
doors and ventilation systems.
(Photo: State of New Jersey)
While simply turning off the engines to reduce the amount of idling
sounded like a logical solution, there were a number of questions that
first had to be answered: Would the diesel engines start after they
had been turned off for several minutes? Would the required flashing
safety lights wear down the batteries? Would the windows frost up if
the engines were turned off? What would happen on winter days with
extreme temperatures?
With the cooperation of School District 6, it was decided that, as
a trial, the bus drivers at one school would turn off their engines
upon arrival at the end of the school day for a specific number of
weeks. Not encountering any major problems, the trial was expanded to
two more schools in the district, where 19 buses were involved. Again,
there were no major problems. As a result, a district-wide no idling
policy was implemented for school buses in this district in May 2002.
Hearing of this success, a number of other school districts also
introduced no-idling policies. There was, however, no uniform policy
for all districts. Again, in cooperation with the Department of
Education, a draft was submitted to the appropriate personnel for
review and revision. As a result, in October, 2005, the Minister
announced a province-wide idling ban for all school buses - the first
of its kind in Canada!
( Photo: Government of Canada)
In addition to our work with buses, we are continuously encouraging
schools to reduce visitor idling. Many schools have created parking
areas located away from the buildings, forcing parents and visitors to
turn off their engines when they come to pick up their children. We
have also distributed anti-idling bookmarks, windshield stickers and
driveway signs to schools to serve as reminders for parents. Because
of the turnover of students and parents at a school, education and
awareness must be ongoing.
There are also a number of other environmental health initiatives
that schools might be interested in if they would like to participate
in the Healthy School Program. Materials are provided by the Lung
Association or can be downloaded from the web site.
(Photo: Government of Canada)
For more information, contact the
New Brunswick Lung Association at
(506) 455-8961,
or visit the site at www.nb.lung.ca/schools
nvironmental
health issues are of concern to schools across Canada. Asthma is on the
rise among school-age children and indoor environmental problems often
trigger asthma episodes. A healthy school environment, both indoors and
out, contributes to a favorable learning environment to students as well
as a sense of comfort and well being for all school occupants. The Healthy School Program, sponsored by Environment Canada's EcoAction
program and the New Brunswick Departments of Education and Health and Wellness, enables schools to identify and resolve basic air quality concerns
"in-house" at little or no cost. The aim of the program
is to treat the school as a whole, improving both its indoor and outdoor
environments.
