SERVICES
Sustainable Schools offers the following consulting services in sustainability and environmental literacy for K-12 schools, colleges and universities.
These services can be customized to meet the needs of each institution.
1- Education for sustainability: how independent schools are responding to our 21st century challenges
Presentation and discussion with administration, faculty and staff on three topics: (a) national and global challenges we face; (b) education for sustainability and environmental literacy as critical response to these challenges; and (c) how independent schools are addressing sustainability in creative ways through curriculum, operations, policy and planning.
Time estimate: Three hours; follow-up as needed
2- Sustainability assessment
Combined energy audit and comprehensive assessment of sustainability in administration, operations, curriculum, and community outreach. Recommendations for long-term sustainability plan.
Time estimate: Two site visits over six months
3- Sustainability planning
Work with administrative leaders, trustees, senior faculty, and staff on strategic visioning for sustainability. Assist in development of long-term plan with sustainability in administration, operations, curriculum and community outreach.
Time estimate: Two site visits over six months
4- Going Green: sustainability and campus operations
Work with campus community to implement sustainability in operations: Energy and Buildings (energy efficiency, green construction and renovations); Waste Reduction and Recycling (e-communications, double-sided copying, waste free lunch program, etc.); Transportation (parking spaces; campus fleet; carpooling; school bus services, etc.); Landscaping (native plants; minimal pesticide use; permeable pavement; etc.); Water (drip irrigation; shower heads; toilets; etc.); and Food (local; organic; fair trade).
Time estimate: Two or three site visits over one year
5- Sustainability in the curriculum
Exploration with faculty on integrating concepts of environmental literacy and sustainable development into existing courses and departments. Consider introductory, required, and general education courses and course units.
Time estimate: Half- or full-day workshop; two follow-up visits over one year
6- Sustainability and the Business Office: green purchasing and budgeting
Consider environmentally responsible options in school purchasing and operations practices, including vendor contracts, energy purchasing and energy management planning.
Time estimate: Two meetings over six months
