Orange County NC Website
Policy Code: 1810 Sustainability <br /> Sustainability is the concept of meeting our current needs through behaviors, practices,and policies that do not compromise the <br /> ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The Board of Education recognizes sustainability as a guiding principle <br /> and believes that the district should be committed to developing and integrating sustainability practices in all aspects of our <br /> education system. <br /> Sustainability efforts will balance the interconnected areas of education,environment,society,and economy to contribute to a <br /> healthy future for our students,faculty,staff,and community.The Board believes that these actions are a natural extension of the <br /> district's core mission and values. To effectively achieve these commitments,the Superintendent may develop plans and <br /> regulations to implement the sustainability policy. <br /> Sustainability will be demonstrated through: <br /> A.Sustainable management: Striving to incorporate educational,social,and environmental values in our daily decision- <br /> making. Specific areas include, but are not limited to: <br /> a. Reducing energy and water consumption. <br /> b. Purchasing more sustainable products and materials. <br /> c. Reducing waste by cutting consumption and increasing recycling efforts. <br /> d. Lessen overall environmental impact <br /> B.Sustainability education: Integrating environmental and social sustainability concepts in our education of students. <br /> Specific areas include, but are not limited to: <br /> a. Encouraging sustainability-focused student organizations and projects. <br /> b. Promoting sustainability-related resources for teachers and staff. <br /> c. Developing a better understanding of the local, regional,and global impacts of the district's activities. <br /> C. Fostering health and well-being: Providing a physical environment that promotes the health, productivity,and safety of <br /> students and staff. Specific areas include, but are not limited to: <br /> a.Continuing to strengthen the district's nutrition standards and policies. <br /> b. Examining the use of more sustainable cleaning products and methods. <br /> c. Reducing the district's carbon footprint. <br /> d. Providing safe and healthy classroom and workspaces. <br /> D.Continual Improvement: Seeking new,expanded and improved ways to create a sustainable and restorative future. <br /> Specific areas include, but are not limited to: <br /> a.Constructing new buildings and completing renovations to high performance building standards. <br /> b. Increasing school,student, parent,and community engagement in goal-setting and decision-making. <br /> c. Developing and monitoring indicators of progress toward greater sustainability. <br /> d. Promoting and celebrating student and district accomplishments. <br /> Cross References: Governing Principle-Stewardship of Resources(policy 1800), Goals of Equipment, Materials and Supplies <br /> (policy6500), Resource Conservation(policy6530), Facility Construction(policy9030), High Performance Building Design <br /> Criteria (policy 9040),Care and Maintenance of Facilities(9200), Pest Management(9205). <br /> Adopted:6/2/11 <br /> Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools <br /> 1810 <br /> 1 of 1 <br />