Center for Green Schools

07/02/2024

Last month, we cohosted a day and a half summit alongside the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s Efficient and Healthy Schools Program (EHSP), and New Buildings Institute (NBI) for school district staff. School leaders shared success stories, challenges and other details about their journeys to develop district-wide climate action plans, prioritize and fund diverse facilities improvement needs, implement retrofit projects, and collect data to communicate their program’s impact on advancing the goal of healthy and sustainable schools.

Read more about the summit: https://www.usgbc.org/articles/school-district-staff-members-attend-clean-energy-and-indoor-air-quality-summit

06/21/2024

The 2025 Green Schools Conference call for proposals and call for reviewers has been extended to July 1st!

Submit an education session or workshop: https://tinyurl.com/3dfxa4ya

Apply to be a program reviewer: https://tinyurl.com/33jw2kfy

06/20/2024

Last week, school district staff convened at our Clean Energy and IAQ Summit in Denver. In partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's Efficient and Healthy Schools program, school district staff dedicated time to workshops and collaborated with peers on implementing energy efficiency and decarbonization plans with IAQ in mind.

Attendees also celebrated the honorees of this year’s Efficient and Healthy Schools program. Congratulations to Canajoharie Central School District, Lansing School District, Livonia Public Schools, Loudoun County Public Schools, Broward County Public Schools, Hamilton Southeastern Schools, River Trails School District 26, School District of Neillsville, IDEA Public Schools, Boise School District, Portland Public Schools, Seattle Public Schools, and Porterville Unified School District.

Did you miss the chance to join this summit? The Center will be hosting two additional in-person summits focusing on resiliency and green schools' healthy materials and construction specifications. Learn more about each of the events and register to join us: https://tinyurl.com/yc52jjuj

06/18/2024

Today is the last day to apply to be a program reviewer for !

Volunteer reviewers evaluate session proposals and help maintain the quality of sessions by identifying exceptional presentations. The entire review process takes place digitally and does not require an in-person commitment. In exchange for participation, you can earn continuing education hours and receive a discounted conference pass to the Green Schools Conference.

Apply by 11:59 pm ET tonight: https://tinyurl.com/mspphsa7

06/17/2024

There is just one week left to submit a proposal for the 2025 Green Schools Conference!

Submissions for the education program should address a range of topics related to sustainable schools, including environmental impact, health and well-being, sustainability literacy, and equity. Each session should also feature an interdisciplinary team of presenters showcasing the intersection of these topics across a school, school district, or community.

Submit a one-hour education session or two-hour hands-on workshop!

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/GSCCFP25

06/14/2024

The 2024 Green Schools Conference was an incredibly strong conference for healthy and efficient schools.

Take a look back at the conference by the numbers: https://tinyurl.com/4se7ayru

06/11/2024

There is just one week left to apply to be a reviewer for the 2025 Green Schools Conference!

Volunteer reviewers evaluate education session proposals and help maintain the quality of sessions. The review process takes place digitally and does not require an in-person commitment. In exchange for participation, you can earn continuing education hours and receive a discounted conference pass to GSC.

Reviewer applications are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 18. Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/mspphsa7

06/10/2024

The Center for Green Schools and Green Schools National Network need your expertise to shape next year's Green School Conference! Share your learnings with the community by submitting a session proposal by June 24th or applying to be a program reviewer by June 18th. Apply at https://bit.ly/GSCCFP25.

06/10/2024

School district staff, join us on September 10 and 11th in Austin, Texas, for a free in-person School Resiliency Summit!

School systems are faced with increasing challenges from responding to extreme weather events like heat, flooding, and wildfires, to infection outbreaks, and the need to provide safe and healthy learning environments for students and staff. This training is designed to connect K-12 school district staff with their peers, experts, and key resources for implementing, communicating, and funding strategies for schools to serve as resiliency hubs.

A small number of travel stipends are available, the deadline to apply is July 19th.

Learn more about the event here: https://tinyurl.com/53wtavae

06/04/2024

The 2024 Green Ribbon Schools award ceremony is happening on July 10th!

Join a live stream on July 10th to view the keynote speakers and the awards presentation. See below for more information!

The 2024 ED-GRS awards ceremony will be livestreamed at two times:
1) keynote speakers 9:30 a.m. ET
2) awards presentation 2 p.m. ET.

Join us live on YouTube to celebrate the 2024 ED-GRS honorees achievements in whole school sustainability.

https://www.youtube.com/c/usdepartmentofeducation

Honorees have demonstrated progress in three areas: 1) reducing environmental impacts & costs 2) improving health & wellness and; 3) teaching effective environmental and sustainability education.

06/04/2024

Last week, we cohosted a webinar with the U.S. Department of Energy, and UndauntedK12, which focused on a deeper dive into IRA tax credits for schools.

Joined by webinar panelists, we discussed examples and highlighted common questions regarding eligibility, stacking credits with other sources of financing, and bonus requirements, which can significantly enhance the value of the credit received.

Check out the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayA4g0SnEsI

06/03/2024

Our team has put together an executive briefing, Driving Toward Zero Carbon Emissions in School Buildings, to share the basics of decarbonizing schools with school leaders.

This overview document breaks down the terminology, highlights examples of school district plans, policies, and building decarbonization strategies, along with helpful industry resources.

Download the document here- https://tinyurl.com/2p8zru9z

05/30/2024

Happening today!

Join us, the U.S. Department of Energy, and UndauntedK12 from 1-2:30 pm ET for a deeper dive into IRA tax credits for schools.

Webinar panelists will discuss examples and highlight common questions regarding eligibility, stacking credits with other sources of financing, and bonus requirements, which can significantly enhance the value of the credit received.

Register for free here: https://tinyurl.com/bdhs7ybc

05/29/2024

Looking for resources about decarbonizing new and existing school buildings?

Earlier this month, we hosted a webinar on decarbonization in schools featuring a panel of industry experts and three sustainability directors from school districts to dive deeper into the topic. View the webinar, resources, and slides here- https://tinyurl.com/5n7u84yb

We also created an executive briefing, Driving Toward Zero Carbon Emissions in School Buildings, to share the basics of decarbonizing schools with school leaders. This overview document breaks down the terminology, highlights examples of school district plans, policies, and building decarbonization strategies, along with helpful industry resources. You can download the document here- https://tinyurl.com/2p8zru9z

05/24/2024

Our newest resource is here!

The School District Indoor Air Quality Management Plan Toolkit is designed to support K–12 school districts in writing or updating a comprehensive district-level indoor air quality (IAQ) management plan.

Download this resource for a walkthrough of each component of an IAQ management plan: https://tinyurl.com/48h6br6w

05/23/2024

The Green Schools Conference (GSC) is the only event that brings together everyone involved in creating and advocating for green schools, with a focus on those leading their schools and school systems toward whole school sustainability.

The Call for Proposals for the 2025 conference is now open! The 2025 GSC education program will address a range of topics related to sustainable schools, including environmental impact, health and well-being, sustainability literacy, and equity. Submit a proposal for interdisciplinary education sessions and workshops by 11:59 p.m. ET, June 24.

Learn more about submitting a proposal: https://bit.ly/GSCCFP25

05/22/2024

Don't forget to register for our June Schools Clean Energy and IAQ Summit!

School district staff can join us and the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Program for a free summit June 11-12 in Denver, CO. We will focus on the nexus of clean energy technologies for improving energy efficiency and indoor air quality (IAQ) in school operations, maintenance, and renovations.

Can't make the June event? We will also be hosting a summit on school resiliency in September in Austin, Texas, and a summit in Washington. D.C on updating and developing material specifications for healthy and sustainable schools in December.

Learn more about each of the events here: https://www.usgbc.org/articles/join-center-green-schools-person-summit-2024

05/21/2024

Join us, the U.S. Department of Energy, and UndauntedK12 next Thursday from 1-2:30 pm ET for a deeper dive into IRA tax credits for schools.

Webinar panelists will discuss examples and highlight common questions regarding eligibility, stacking credits with other sources of financing, and bonus requirements, which can significantly enhance the value of the credit received.

Register for free here: https://tinyurl.com/bdhs7ybc

05/17/2024

Check out our newly released toolkit to support K-12 school districts in writing comprehensive indoor air quality (IAQ) management plans.

The School District IAQ Management Plan Toolkit provides ready-to-use model plan language, background information, key resources, and case studies for school districts seeking to document or update their IAQ management practices.

Download a copy of the toolkit here: https://tinyurl.com/bdhwyz3u

05/16/2024

This Earth week, the White House and the U.S. Department of Education united in a historic celebration of sustainable and healthy K-12 schools.

Read about the White House Summit on Sustainable K-12 School Buildings and Grounds and learn more about the 2024 ED Green Ribbon School winners.

https://www.usgbc.org/articles/white-house-hosts-summit-sustainable-and-healthy-k-12-schools

05/08/2024

Join us for a webinar on May 15th highlighting a panel of industry experts and school district sustainability directors that will showcase examples of how school systems are taking action to decarbonize their schools. We will look at both new and existing buildings with a focus on upgrading HVAC systems to simultaneously get off fossil fuels and improve indoor environmental health.

Speakers include:
- Aaron Presberg, Portland Public Schools
- Adam West, Denver Public Schools
- Kate Crosby, Acton-Boxborough Regional School District
- Paul Torcellini, Principal Engineer, Commercial Buildings Research Group,
Renewable Energy Laboratory
- Shannon Oliver, Buildings Institute
- Seema Bhanger, U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

Register for free here: https://tinyurl.com/mr3mz9ku

05/07/2024

The call for proposals and reviewers for is now open! Submit an interdisciplinary education session or workshop proposal to join us in person at the 2025 conference: https://bit.ly/GSCCFP25

05/06/2024

Join us, the U.S. Department of Energy's Schools program, and UndauntedK12 tomorrow as we provide an overview of new opportunities to drive investment into your school districts. School leaders and partners involved in financing, capital planning, facilities, and sustainability are invited to join us for an overview of new clean energy tax credits for schools.

Unlimited and non-competitive clean energy tax credits are available for the first time to tax-exempt entities, due to the Inflation Reduction Act. As such, schools are now eligible to receive a non-competitive cash payment from the IRS for eligible clean energy investments, including for up to 70% cash reimbursement. From solar, geothermal, and other renewables to energy storage, these credits can support schools in accessing clean technologies.

This webinar will provide insight into which credits are available and how it can be incorporated into project planning or applied to ongoing projects. Richard Best, the Director of Capital Projects and Planning at Seattle Public Schools will share his perspective on how leveraging the clean energy tax credits can save the school district money on the up-front costs of new equipment and on long-term energy savings.

Register for free here: https://doe.webex.com/weblink/register/rd247fe34b47f1a573cd8f65abac4d024

05/03/2024

In April, we cohosted a webinar with the Department of Energy's Efficient and Healthy Schools Program to answer some of the most pressing questions about ASHRAE Standard 241 and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) ventilation guidance for schools.

Watch the webinar and review the materials to hear answers to your unanswered questions. https://tinyurl.com/rdw3y5kz

05/02/2024

Join us and the U.S. Department of Energy's Efficient and Healthy Schools Program this June in Denver for a summit on bridging clean energy and indoor air quality in schools.

This free in-person training for K-12 school district staff will focus on identifying, planning for, implementing, and funding best practices that intersect decarbonization and IAQ.

Learn more about the summit and register here: https://tinyurl.com/235fmary

05/01/2024

At last week's White House Summit for Sustainable and Healthy K-12 School Buildings and Grounds, the Department of Energy's Efficient and Healthy Schools program recognized 13 school district honorees. The program recognizes and celebrates districts that achieved substantial energy savings and have improved learning environments by improving indoor air quality, HVAC, and building controls.

We congratulate all the districts on their commitment to healthy and sustainable schools. We would like to recognize the six districts in our peer learning networks that are a part of this cohort:
- Portland Public Schools
- Seattle Public Schools
- Loudoun County Public Schools
- County Public Schools
- Alison Ward at Boise School District, a 2023-24 Sustainable Schools Fellow with the Center for Green Schools

DOE’s Efficient and Healthy Schools campaign recognized 13 school district honorees at the 2024 White House Summit for Sustainable and Healthy K-12 School Buildings and Grounds: Equity, Learning, Health, and Climate, held on Feb. 26, 2024.

04/29/2024

Experts agree that in order to meet the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the way we design, build and operate buildings will have to dramatically change.

Join us for a webinar highlighting a panel of industry experts and school district sustainability directors will showcase examples of how school systems are taking action to decarbonize their schools, both new and existing, with a focus on upgrading HVAC systems to simultaneously get off fossil fuels and improve indoor environmental health.

Speakers include:
- Aaron Presberg, Portland Public Schools
- Adam West, Denver Public Schools
- Kate Crosby, Acton-Boxborough Regional School District
- Shannon Oliver, New Buildings Institute
- Seema Bhanger, U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

Register for free here: https://tinyurl.com/mr3mz9ku

04/26/2024

Congratulations to the 2024 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools, District Sustainability Awardees, and Postsecondary Sustainability Awardees!

04/26/2024

Today, the White House is hosting the first-ever summit on Sustainable and Healthy K-12 School Buildings and Grounds, highlighting the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to equitable access to energy efficient, climate resilient, and healthy school facilities that are conducive to learning.

The director of the Center for Green Schools, Anisa Heming, is onsite today and sharing a behind-the-scenes look at the event. Check out our stories for her live updates.

You can also view the live stream of the event starting at 1:00 pm ET today: https://lnkd.in/egdQzW_v

04/23/2024

The Center for Green Schools is hosting three in-person summits for K–12 staff throughout the country in 2024. The 1.5-day summits are free to attend and will bring together school district staff for a deep dive into priority topics through peer learning and connection, insights from experts, the latest resources, and a focus on action planning.

Read more about each of the summits and register to join us.
https://tinyurl.com/ys7x7rbb