Whistler Waldorf School has achieved Platinum Certification from EcoSchools Canada, the highest distinction available in the national environmental education program—becoming the first school in the region to do so.
The award recognizes schools that score more than 101 points across a range of sustainability actions. Whistler Waldorf’s year-long efforts included zero-waste events, a student-led glacier panel, expanded composting, pollinator gardens, a school-wide water audit, a coat drive to reduce textile waste and over $3,000 raised for local environmental groups.
“This milestone reflects our school’s enduring dedication to fostering environmental leadership among students,” said principal Eleanor West in a statement. “It’s the result of passionate efforts from our students, staff, and community—proof of the power of collective action in creating lasting, meaningful change.”
EcoSchools Canada is a nationally recognized certification program that assesses schools on climate action, waste minimization, biodiversity and other green initiatives.
“[The certification] recognizes not just environmental action, but a culture where sustainability is a shared responsibility and a living value,” reads a statement from the school.
“These initiatives not only contributed to EcoSchools Canada’s certification process but also brought students into direct, hands-on engagement with the environmental issues shaping their world,” the school continued.
The school’s EcoTeam “is already gearing up to maintain Platinum status next year,” the school’s director of advancement, Jen Dodds, told Pique.
“In addition to all of the ongoing school projects, [like] composting, pollinator gardens, students are planning to participate in Vancouver School Board’s annual Sustainability Conference, where they’ll join other youth in driving climate action.”
Students also plan to host another community panel featuring local nonprofit experts, following this year’s successful glacier panel.
