AI generated image: Students and parents arrive at a school on a sunny spring morning. A parent walks beside a child with a backpack along the sidewalk, while other students walk, scooter, and ride bikes toward the school entrance. A student wearing a blue helmet rides a bicycle near the front of the image. Cars are parked along the curb, and flowering trees and green grass surround the school building.

Sustainability Spotlight: Transportation — Getting to school in greener ways

Upper Grand District School Board

May 6, 2026

The Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) is continuing to highlight the seven focus areas of our Sustainability & Climate Action Plan (2025–2030). This month, we’re focusing on Active Transportation.

How we get to and from school each day has an impact on the environment, our health, and our communities. By making thoughtful choices, we can help reduce emissions and support a cleaner, healthier future.

Why transportation matters

Transportation is one of the ways we can reduce our environmental impact. Choosing more sustainable options can:

  • Lower greenhouse gas emissions

  • Improve air quality around schools

  • Support student health and well-being

  • Help build safer, more connected communities

Even small changes can make a big difference over time.

What UGDSB is doing

Across the district, UGDSB is working to support more sustainable transportation by:

  • Encouraging active travel, like walking and wheeling/biking when it’s safe and possible

  • Promoting safe routes to school in partnership with local communities

  • Raising awareness about how transportation choices affect the environment

  • Supporting student learning through classroom activities and environmental initiatives

  • Exploring ways to reduce emissions connected to school transportation

This work helps create healthier school environments while supporting student learning.

Stay tuned for information about Bike to School Week, happening later this spring!

How families can help

Families can support sustainable transportation in ways that work best for them:

  • Walk or wheel/bike to school when it’s safe and possible

  • Carpool with other families to reduce the number of vehicles on the road

  • Use school transportation options where available

  • Talk about how different ways of getting to school impact the environment

Even choosing a more sustainable option once or twice a week can make a difference.

Student voice and action

Students across UGDSB may explore transportation through classroom learning, school events, or student-led initiatives. These opportunities help students understand how everyday choices connect to bigger environmental goals.

Together, students, families, and staff can take steps toward greener travel and a more sustainable future.