Inspiring a New Generation of Environmental Leaders

MARKHAM, ON – May 19, 2015 – At a special meeting of Council for community recognition held in Council Chambers on the evening of May 7, the recipients of the 2015 Markham District Energy Sustainability Bursary received recognition from the Mayor, members of Council and Markham District Energy (MDE).

MDE launched its sustainability bursary in 2010 with the goal of rewarding environmental leadership amongst Markham’s youth and in turn encouraging the next generation of environmental leaders; a goal echoed by the International District Energy Association (IDEA) in its theme for 2015.

“The bursary program provided by MDE to graduating high school students ties nicely with the IDEA’s theme this year of inspiring the next generation,” noted Bruce Ander, president and CEO of MDE, in his speech to the Mayor. “The association and its members are actively encouraging young people to consider careers in programs related to the environment and district energy.”

The 2015 bursary recipients plan to study post-secondary in programs such as environmental sciences, environmental engineering and environmental business. The recipients demonstrated environmental leadership through participation in school environment clubs and outside organizations such as the Youth Environment Network of York Region (YENYR).

“My personal goal is to show youth that we are truly the leaders of tomorrow and I have worked hard throughout my high school years as the president of my school’s Eco Club and Director of Communications for YENYR to achieve my goal,” said St. Robert CHS’s recipient, Ushpreet Mehta. “MDE’s bursary provides assistance to me as I work to achieve my goal at the post-secondary level and I could not be more grateful for the support and recognition.”

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About Markham District Energy

MDE, an energy company owned by the City of Markham, is committed to continuing as a leading developer of municipally owned district energy systems providing strategic foundations for Markham’s Greenprint Sustainability Plan and economic development objectives. MDE owns and operates award-winning community energy systems serving buildings in the developing urban centres of Markham Centre and Cornell Centre.

Media Contact: Emily Turney 905-752-3368 eturney@mdei.ca