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Climate & Sustainability Summary <br /> The district is proud of our sustainability efforts and is one of only several districts <br /> in NC to have a dedicated Sustainability Director on staff. Our sustainability efforts <br /> go beyond routine facility work such as mechanical, lighting, or other building <br /> improvements to include comprehensive programs such as seminars on being <br /> stewards of the environment, education programs and outreach efforts within <br /> schools and the community. <br /> Composting: Our cafeteria-composting program is part of our normal habit now in <br /> all elementary and middle schools. We have surpassed 1.4 million pounds diverted <br /> from the landfill. This process has reduced our carbon footprint by over 200 Metric <br /> Tons of CO2e. We now have classrooms asking for small compost bins and have <br /> organized dozens of worm composting classes. Schools and our compost hauler have <br /> reported that the process appears to be habit now as contamination levels are very <br /> low. We have given tours of our composting program to multiple local districts and <br /> have consulted with districts across the country. <br /> In early November, our Sustainability Director led an EPA webinar on cafeteria <br /> composting to over 300 participants from across the country. <br /> Projects and Academics Youth Water Academy: In partnership with Orange <br /> Water and Sewer (OWASA) seven high school Students participated by visiting <br /> OWASA once a week for 5 consecutive weeks. They saw first-hand and learned <br /> about the water treatment process, lab work, land management, infrastructure, <br /> engineering, sustainability and water governance. OWASA professionals led the <br /> sections. Year 2 is currently underway with 19 participants. <br /> Explorer Backpacks: As a result of funding a teacher's professional development, <br /> we rolled out the Explorer Backpack program at Seawell. The high quality <br /> backpacks packs are loaded with trail maps, nature ID guides, binoculars, <br /> magnifying glasses, colored pencils, journals and other observation and <br /> documentation tools. <br /> School Gardens: We used our Chartwells Grant funding for a part time School <br /> Garden Coordinator. This was a highly successful project that enabled us to provide <br /> support to the 13 school gardens in the district. Each garden is truly unique in its set <br /> up, who runs it, what they grow, etc. This position enabled the garden leaders and <br /> educators to take advantage of scale (seedlings and materials,) get expert advice and <br />