Tips for Addressing Climate Change at Your School

• Find your school’s energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data on the Energy Dashboard. How does your school’s emissions data compare to similarly sized schools?

   

• Check out our tips for saving energy.  One of the best ways to address climate change at your school is to reduce the amount of energy you use. Since energy from fossil fuels generates GHG emissions, using less energy can decrease your emissions.

   

• Conduct an audit with students to identify ways to address climate change.  The Eco-Schools Climate Change audit will guide you through an investigation of your school’s carbon footprint. The audit encompasses your school’s energy and resource use, transportation, and waste stream.

   

• Plant a native habitat. Plants use carbon dioxide to photosynthesize, which removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. If you are going to plant trees or other plants, follow the guidelines for planting a wildlife habitat at your school.

   

• Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Almost anything you buy has a carbon footprint - making products requires energy and materials, which typically result in emitting GHGs.

   

• Encourage green transportation. Encourage students and staff who live close enough to school to walk or bike. Encourage students who live further away to take the bus. Staff members who live near each other can carpool.

   

• Start a no-idling Kiss and Ride campaign. Cars emit greenhouse gases and pollutants, even when they are turned on and not moving. Post signs at Kiss and Ride encouraging parents or guardians to turn off their engine while waiting to pick up students. Some messages you could put on the signs include:

• No Idling Zone - Please Turn Off Your Engine

• Please Don’t Idle - Young Lungs at Work

• Don’t be Fuelish - Turn Off Your Engine

• Breathe Better, Save Money, Don’t Idle

• Turn Your Key, Be Idle Free