Outcome Area Page

Summary

The Reduced Environmental Impact and Costs Outcome Area is focused on reducing or improving the environmental footprint of operating a district and school buildings and grounds and harvesting the economic benefits that often accompany these improvements. The Best Practices listed here take a "systems view" of the many flows of energy, water, materials, people, and vehicles that enter and leave the district or school property. Many of the best practices are concerned with the district or schools impact on regional or state ecosystems. Best Practice "1.11 Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience" concerned the increasing interest and need for districts and schools to plan for the impact of the surrounding environment back on their own operations and the relationship of the district and school with the rest of the community. There are many best practices that support resilience planning as well as reduce environmental impact and save on operational costs. The list of best practices is best seen as multiple dimensions of integrated solutions. There are opportunities throughout this outcome area to integrate projects with best practices from other outcome areas that improve health and wellness and provide environmental and sustainability education. 

Reduced Environmental Impact and Costs Best Practices:

Click on each Best Practice to learn more, including Best Practice Actions. [Un-linked Best Practices are under development.]

1.1 Energy Efficiency: District/School has very little wasted energy.

1.2 Clean Energy: District/School uses clean energy sources such as solar panels.

1.3 Waste Reduction: District/School has very little solid waste and recycles a variety of materials.

1.4 Material Safety: District/School has very little hazardous waste and safely manages it.

1.5 Water Efficiency: District/School has very little wasted water indoors and in the school yard.

1.6 Onsite Stormwater Management: Schoolyards include areas that are natural and help rain soak deep into the ground.

1.7 Community Spaces: Schools and schoolyards include areas that the community can use.

1.8 Green Product Purchasing: District/School purchases green products such as recycled office paper, low or non-toxic cleaning supplies, furniture built to green standards, or efficient computers.

1.9 Commuting Efficiency: Many students and staff walk, bike, carpool or bus to school.

1.10 Transportation Efficiency: District/School has efficient transportation use and reduces its environmental impacts.

1.11 Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience: District/School has planned and prepared for extreme weather, adaptation to changing climatic conditions, and has fostered strong community connections.

1.12 Climate Mitigation and Planning: District/School has assessed their greenhouse gas emissions, planned for their reduction, and is taking action toward that goal.