GOING GREEN GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE POLICIES: FROM PREPARTION TO IMPLEMENTATION PASBO Conference March 9, 2012

Why Go Green? Most schools recognize that they have a responsibility to the environment beyond legal and regulatory requirements. Policies Procedures Practices

Value of Policies/Procedures Promote green school practices that conserve natural resources Reduce the impact of district operations on the environment Protect the health of students, staff, and community Mandate Action

Consider……. Initial Cost Long-term Potential Cost Savings Quality and Performance of the Product or Service Health Impacts Environmental Considerations.

Policies/Procedures need to be Reflective of the organizational view on acceptable business practices Sanctioned by the school board and the administration Clearly defined as to the structure and and approach Consistently communicated

Transportation Dept. B20 Biodiesel Fuel  First PA school district to switch exclusively  More efficient than standard diesel fuel  community/alternative_fuels_incenti ve_grant/ community/alternative_fuels_incenti ve_grant/10492 Anti-idling Policy  Waste Oil Heater  Uses waste oil taken from the buses  Solves problem of the cost of disposal  Approximate cost was $10,000  Saves 2,500 gallons per year (over $5,000)  Engine Block Warmers

Food Service Dept. Polystyrene Densifier GVSD kitchens use polystyrene foam trays for student lunches Less expensive than the “green” alternative of biodegradable sugar cane products Trays are compacted and densified cylinders are picked up for recycling Partnering with neighboring districts to use the densifier

Food Service Dept. Community Garden 1 acre garden planted in spring of 2009 at KD Markley Elementary School Has yielded various fruits and vegetables that are used in the kitchens Reduces the amount of produce to be purchased Composting of kitchen food waste for use in garden First year costs covered by grants and contributions Supports the PA “Farm to School Initiative”

Buildings and Grounds Dept. Use of Green Products  Green Seal Certified paper towels and toilet paper  Green Seal Certified cleaning chemicals  Reduce the number of chemicals Integrated Pest Management (IPM)  PA Law: Governs the use of insecticides/pesticides  Notification of staff, students, community when using these products  Indoor Air Quality  Reduce the opportunity for mold and other allergens  Greenguard® certified furnishings  Tools for Schools program 

Buildings and Grounds Dept. Energy Reduction/Management  Policy 817 – Energy Management and Conservation   Dictates temperature set points  Outlaws personal appliances  Green team and energy conservation program  Proper balancing and scheduling of equipment  Optimal starts  Demand limiting and load rolling  Reprogrammed lighting controls  Equipment upgrades (VFD’s, lighting)  Demand Response Energy Star Portfolio Manager  = $150 /yr.

Technology Dept. Virtual servers Printer reduction program  Eliminates classroom printers  Reduces amount of printing – saves paper and toner  Saves electricity Automatic shutdown of computers and projectors Remanufactured cartridges

District-Wide Projects Recycling Program  Single Stream Recycling  Glass, plastic, aluminum, cardboard, paper  Recycling hauler chosen by CCIU bid  GVSD recycles about 40% of our waste  Costs $12.90 per pickup… $4,900 per year  Lamps & Batteries  Lamp recycling kits  Recycling services  Wood Pallets  Returned to distribution warehouse  Used by neighboring business  Taken to recycling center  PA Recycling – DEP Website 

District-Wide Projects Energy Conservation Initiative  “Green Team” at district and building levels  Grass roots program – no equipment changes  Since , reduced electric use by 20%  Saved over $350,000  25% of savings given back to each school Solar Photovoltaic Project  $1 million project – 760 rooftop solar modules at GV Middle School  Partially funded by $500,000 stimulus grant  Year #1  Produced 198 MW of electricity  Saved $23,799  District is selling SRECs earned

Questions?