As the world grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, schools play a crucial role in leading the charge toward sustainability and energy transition. By implementing sustainable practices, they can demonstrate the importance of energy conservation and environmental stewardship to students and the broader community, paving the way for a greener future.

Challenges Faced by Public Schools

Public schools face numerous challenges as climate change intensifies, impacting everything from infrastructure to equity. Understanding these challenges is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate their effects.

• Increasing Temperatures and Climate Tipping Points

Schools must adapt to rising temperatures and increasing extreme weather events to maintain comfortable learning environments. This requires developing facilities that can withstand climate change to ensure they can continue to serve their communities effectively. The risk of heat waves and storms necessitates investment in building improvements like better insulation and air conditioning systems to maintain indoor air quality and thermal comfort. Designing school buildings that can double as emergency shelters for the community during extreme weather events also augments their use and resilience.

• Energy Usage and Carbon Emissions

As major energy consumers, schools significantly contribute to carbon emissions. With educational facilities ranking as the third-largest energy consumer among commercial building types, addressing energy use patterns is critical to minimizing schools’ environmental impact. Schools need to examine their energy consumption in areas such as heating, cooling, lighting, and electronic device use. Reducing dependency on fossil fuels through energy efficiency measures and cleaner energy sources is vital. Implementing energy audits can identify key areas for improvement while retrofitting older buildings with modern, efficient systems can dramatically cut emissions.

• Equity Considerations

Underserved communities often face disproportionate climate challenges, including limited resources for energy efficiency improvements. Schools in these areas must ensure that all students benefit from sustainability initiatives, regardless of socioeconomic status. Equity-focused planning involves making sure that sustainability projects do not exacerbate existing disparities but instead work to bridge gaps. This can be achieved by prioritizing investments in schools serving low-income communities and ensuring access to funding and support for these initiatives. Engaging with local communities to understand their needs and incorporate their input into planning processes is essential.

Tools and Methods for Advancing Sustainability

Schools can use various tools and methods to lead the way in fighting climate change. These initiatives can help reduce their carbon footprint and create a culture of environmental responsibility.

1. Adopt Green Building Practices

The Annie E. Fales Elementary School won the Green Building of the Year award with their new school setting a precedent for energy-efficient design as New England’s first net-positive energy public school. On track to achieve LEED Gold, the all-electric facility generates 11.6% more energy than it uses with an extensive rooftop PV array and geothermal well field.

Even when building a new school is not in the picture, existing schools can adopt many of its practices and improve sustainability by adhering to the standards in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). These guidelines help improve building performance, reduce energy consumption, and promote healthy indoor environments. Incorporating eco-friendly materials, improving insulation, and using energy-efficient lighting and appliances can significantly reduce a school’s environmental impact. Installing rainwater harvesting systems and optimizing natural light through design can further enhance sustainability.

2. Implement Renewable Energy Sources

The Warren County Public School District in Kentucky has become a leader in innovative approaches to implementing renewable energy sources. They installed solar panels, upgraded HVAC systems, fitted geothermal systems, and replaced lighting with LEDs. This and other measures enabled older schools built from the 1930s-1960s to dramatically cut energy usage and cut the district’s overall EUI nearly in half from 38 to 24 over 5 years.

Installing renewable energy technologies such as solar panels and wind turbines can help schools reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower their carbon footprint. Solar installations, for example, can provide a substantial portion of a school’s electricity needs, and offer educational opportunities for students to learn about renewable energy systems. Over time, these investments can result in significant cost savings on energy bills while demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.

3. Leverage Energy-Efficient Technologies

The Elaine E. Thompson Elementary School was Awarded “Best Project: Commercial New Construction” in the ENERGY STAR® 2021 Decarbonize Your Design Challenge. Selected for exemplary energy design strategies that will prevent CO2 emissions now and well into the future, technologies specified included a solar photovoltaic array, increased natural daylighting and views, high-efficiency HVAC system, reduction in water usage, and LED lighting.

Incorporating energy-efficient technologies, such as LED lighting, smart thermostats, and advanced energy management systems, helps optimize energy use. These technologies provide cost savings and reduce environmental impact by improving heating, cooling, and lighting operations. The installation of low-flow faucets and toilets can further conserve water and energy. Encouraging practices like turning off lights when not in use and monitoring energy consumption also fosters a culture of conservation.

4. Promote Sustainable Transportation

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) recently awarded $33 million in grants to support projects that increase access to zero-emissions transportation and diversify mobility options for schools and communities that service more than 20 low-income areas, including a new effort that empowers communities with resources to plan for future transportation projects.

Encouraging walking, biking, carpooling, and public transportation use can significantly reduce commuting-related carbon footprints. Schools can support these efforts by providing bike racks, organizing carpool programs, and advocating for safe walking paths and bike lanes. Collaborating with local transit authorities to improve public transportation access can further encourage students and staff to choose greener commuting options.

5. Enhance Waste Management

Gig Harbor’s Pioneer Elementary School has won a 2024 Waste Not Washington School Award. The Washington State Department of Ecology awarded $5,000 to Pioneer for a project-based learning human impact program that promotes sustainability and rewards school efforts to reduce waste, recycle, and teach the Waste Not curriculum. The program distributes up to $100,000 to schools across the state.

Comprehensive recycling and composting programs are essential in reducing waste. Educating students about waste reduction and promoting reusable items like water bottles and lunch containers can significantly reduce the amount of waste generated by the school community. Implementing school-wide waste audits can help identify areas for improvement and track progress toward waste reduction goals.

6. Integrate Environmental Education

Trabuco Elementary School is well-positioned to integrate the natural world into its daily curriculum. Its robust recycling and composting programs, led by the student-led Trabuco Coyote Green Team, have reduced the school’s energy and water usage by 19 percent and 7 percent, respectively. For its innovative approaches to environmental education and stewardship, Trabuco is among 20 schools and 14 districts to earn 2024 California Green Ribbon Schools awards.

Incorporating climate change and sustainability topics into the curriculum across various subjects engages students and promotes environmental stewardship. Hands-on projects, such as maintaining school gardens or participating in clubs, provide practical learning experiences that reinforce the importance of sustainability. These activities empower students to become active participants in sustainability efforts, both at school and in their communities.

7. Create Green Spaces

The Nathaniel Hawthorne School in Wisconsin was recognized by the U.S. Education Department as a Green Ribbon School for “innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, improve health and wellness, and educate students on sustainability.” At Hawthorne School, nearly 36,000 square feet of pavement was removed and replaced with green space and recreational and educational areas. The green schoolyard has an outdoor classroom, bioswales, a gaga ball pit, plants native to Wisconsin, and a large underground cistern.

Green spaces, such as gardens and natural landscapes, offer numerous environmental and educational benefits. They help absorb carbon dioxide, improve air quality, and provide shade, reducing the urban heat island effect. Green spaces also serve as outdoor classrooms where students learn about ecology and sustainability. Thoughtful planning, including selecting native and drought-resistant plants, ensures these spaces require minimal water and maintenance. Incorporating green roofs and walls into building designs also improve insulation and reduce energy consumption.

Strategies for Facility Management and Planning          

Effective facility management and planning are essential to achieving sustainability in schools. These strategies ensure long-term success and resilience in the face of climate change.

• Lifecycle Cost Analysis

This tool helps schools evaluate the long-term costs and benefits of sustainable infrastructure investments and allows for informed decision-making about energy-efficient technologies. By considering the total cost of ownership, schools can identify which investments will yield the greatest returns in terms of energy savings and environmental benefits.

• Integrated Design Process

Collaboration among architects, engineers, and stakeholders guarantees sustainable practices are incorporated into school facility design and renovation, creating resilient, energy-efficient buildings. This approach promotes early and continuous stakeholder involvement, enabling the development of innovative solutions that meet sustainability goals while addressing the unique needs of each school community.

• Resilient Design Principles

Schools can enhance resilience by using materials and construction techniques that improve durability and adaptability, addressing potential climate threats like flooding and extreme weather. This involves selecting materials with high thermal resistance, designing flexible spaces that can be adapted for different uses, and incorporating features such as stormwater management systems to mitigate flood risks.

Developing a “Best Practices Playbook”

Creating a “best practices playbook” provides schools with a framework for sustainable facility planning. This resource outlines policies, processes, and guidelines that are adaptable to local needs and priorities.

• Framework for Best Practices

A flexible framework helps schools establish a clear roadmap for achieving sustainability goals, tailored to their unique circumstances. This includes setting benchmarks for energy efficiency, waste reduction, and renewable energy use, as well as guidelines for monitoring progress and making adjustments as needed.

• Case Studies and Examples

Successful examples, such as Discovery Elementary School in Arlington, Virginia, demonstrate the feasibility of ambitious sustainability goals and provide valuable lessons for other schools. This case study highlights innovative approaches to sustainability and showcases the tangible benefits of green practices, inspiring other schools to adopt similar strategies.

• Engagement and Training

Engaging staff and students in sustainability initiatives is crucial for success. Training programs can equip staff with the knowledge and skills needed to implement energy-saving practices, and students can participate in hands-on learning experiences that reinforce the importance of sustainability. Creating a culture of sustainability within the school community empowers everyone to contribute to achieving environmental goals.

Policies and Processes for Equitable Outcomes

Equitable policies and processes ensure that sustainability efforts benefit all students, particularly those in marginalized communities.

• Inclusive Policy Development

Engaging diverse perspectives ensures that policies address the needs of marginalized communities, promoting equitable access to resources and opportunities. This includes involving community members and stakeholders in the planning process to identify priorities and develop strategies that reflect the unique challenges and needs of each community.

• Community Partnerships

Collaboration with local governments, businesses, and non-profits enhances schools’ capacity to achieve sustainability goals, and provides resources and expertise. These partnerships can facilitate access to funding and support for implementing energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy projects, helping schools overcome financial barriers to sustainability.

• Monitoring and Evaluation

Continuous monitoring and evaluation of sustainability initiatives help identify areas for improvement and ensure efforts are effective and equitable. By tracking progress and assessing outcomes, schools can make data-driven decisions and adjustments to their strategies, and make sure that sustainability initiatives are aligned with community needs and priorities.

As public institutions, schools have a unique responsibility to lead by example in addressing climate change. By implementing innovative tools, strategies, and equitable policies, schools can reduce their environmental impact, improve resilience, and inspire students to become proactive in combating climate change. Through proactive planning and collaboration, schools play a pivotal role in building a sustainable future for generations to come.

This article is based, in part, on the following articles:

1. S. Global Change Research Program – Climate Impacts on U.S. Education
2. World Resources Institute – School Facilities and Climate Adaptation
3. S. Department of Energy – Energy Use in Educational Facilities
4. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Environmental Justice and Schools
5. S. Green Building Council – LEED Certification for Schools
6. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) – Renewable Energy in Schools
7. Energy Star – Energy Efficiency in Schools
8. American Institute of Architects (AIA) – Lifecycle Cost Analysis in School Design
9. Architecture 2030 – Integrated Design for Sustainability
10. FEMA – Resilient Design Principles for Schools
11. Center for Green Schools – Best Practices in School Sustainability
12. Discovery Elementary School – Case Study: Net-Zero Energy School
13. Green Schools National Network – Engaging Students and Staff in Sustainability
14. Equity and Sustainability Field Guide – Inclusive Policy Development
15. Partnership for 21st Century Learning – Community Partnerships for Sustainability
16. National Center for Educational Statistics – Monitoring and Evaluation in Education Facilities
17. American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) – Benefits of Green Spaces in Schools

Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan is an author and certified autism resource specialist with a background in teaching. Originally from the Netherlands, her work has taken her around the world, where she helped set up classrooms and children’s libraries in under-resourced areas in Asia and the Middle East. In 2006, she moved to the United States to care for her infant grandson, Logan, who was later diagnosed as autistic. This personal experience deepened her commitment to autism advocacy and education. Currently, Ymkje lives in California with her 18-year-old grandson and uses her expertise to lead autism training workshops. She works with early childhood educators, teachers, parents, and caregivers, offering practical guidance on supporting autistic individuals.