Archibald Blair elementary’s division one grade six/seven class took top prize this year in the city’s Climate Change showdown — a program that educates students on climate change and energy conservation.

The class reduced their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40 tonnes, translating to roughly 1.4 tonnes per student.

Mayor Malcolm Brodie publicly recognized the class’ efforts Monday (June 25) during the council meeting where he presented a sustainability certificate of achievement.

“All Richmond students who participated in this year’s Climate Change Showdown should be commended for their leadership action,” said Brodie.

“They are great examples, not only for their peers, but for the entire community as well.”

More than 1,300 elementary school students from 48 classrooms participated in the showdown, which consisted of an in-class workshop and a month-long take-home challenge for students and their families.

This challenge included a variety of actions such as car-free days.

The initiative was supported by the City of Richmond and delivered by the BC Sustainable Energy Association.

In total, the students decreased their GHG emissions by more than 680 tonnes — the equivalent to removing about 140 cars from the road for an entire year.

Seventy-eight students achieved a perfect score by successfully completing all suggested actions in the challenge and reducing their GHG emissions by three tonnes.

For more information on the showdown, visit www.bcsea.org, or www.richmond.ca to learn about the city’s sustainability initiatives.