A program that has been bringing sustainability science to Saskatoon students since 2013 continues on this year.

Amber Burton with the Saskatchewan Environmental Society says the Smarter Science Better Buildings brings Grade 7 students to the Western Development Museum for a day of learning about the latest innovations in energy-efficient building design.

The themes covered include Water, Solar, Lighting and Appliances, Retrofits, Net-Zero, and Heating and Cooling.

“They engage with these displays, and they leave with actionable steps on how they can save energy and make those sustainable behavior changes at home and talk to their parent and talk to their peers and generate excitement and conversation.”
For example, one of the local examples highlighted as part of the display is the Logan Green Water Management System in Yorkton, which uses constructed and natural wetlands to filter and clean water that would otherwise go to the sewage treatment system.

They say the program aims to spur action among young people at home, school, and within the community.

“Students might think, “Wait a minute, I didn’t think about how water conservation might relate to my life, and now maybe I might consider doing that work in the future.” It might provide a spark so that they want to work in that field in the future.”

The program runs in Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Yorkton, North Battleford, as well as at the Science Centre in Prince Albert.