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HCPSS / POLICIES

Policy 6080 Implementation Procedures - Sustainability

Policy Document

Implementation Procedures

I. Coordination of Systemwide Efforts

Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) employees will consider sustainable practices as part of both administrative and curricular practices. A systematic approach to sustainability will be taken across the school system.

  1. HCPSS supports and will be an active participant in achieving Howard County Government’s goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions. A systemwide decrease in greenhouse gas emissions from a baseline of FY2015 will be achieved by FY30.

    1. 5% reduction in energy consumption.

    2. 5% increase in renewable energy utilization.

  2. The HCPSS will establish a central repository of information related to sustainability. The information will be accessible to both the public and internal users and will include, but not be limited to:

    1. Energy data per square foot by building.

    2. Energy fuel source mix (i.e. renewable and non-renewable sources), including the amount and percentage of HCPSS’s annual electricity use that is from renewable energy sources.

    3. Recycling data by building.

    4. Best practice information, including Green School applications.

    5. Partnerships/local government connections.

    6. General procurement guidance.

    7. Annual summary that includes the above items.

  3. The HCPSS will ensure that procurement decisions reflect consideration of the Triple Bottom Line approach.

    1. All procurement decisions that require Board approval will include a specification review of environmental impact.

      1. Construction of new or renovated facilities will be designed to encompass efficient management of energy and water resources and protection of environmental quality.

      2. Procurement of electricity and natural gas in the deregulated utility market in Maryland will include not only procedures and partnerships that result in favorable rates, but will include an emphasis on renewable energy.

      3. Current procurement of energy is through competitive bids in partnership with the Baltimore Regional Purchasing Committee (BRCPC) and includes 18% renewable energy credit purchases.

    2. All HCPSS employees will consider sustainability in purchases. Examples of sustainability standards that may be considered include but are not limited to:

      1. Green cleaning supplies.

      2. Energy Star rated appliances and devices.

      3. Post-consumer recycled content paper.

      4. Lighting occupancy sensors.

      5. High efficiency lighting and HVAC equipment that have performance levels that improve energy utilization.

  4. The Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment will encourage activities and instructional programs that promote sustainable practices and environmental literacy by:

    1. Encouraging collaboration/communication of best practices including publicizing progress made in all schools achieving either:

      1. Maryland Association of Environmental and Outdoor Education Green School.

      2. US Department of Education Green Ribbon certification.

    2. Making connections among programs to promote sustainability education and practice when practicable.

  5. Operations and Maintenance Practices

    1. The HCPSS will comply with green building practices in accordance with state and local regulations, and will review national best practices as applicable.

    2. HCPSS will continue to expand GS-42 Green Cleaning practices throughout the school system.

    3. Particular emphasis will be placed on operations and maintenance efforts that lead to an improvement in indoor environmental quality and energy efficiency.

    4. HCPSS will regularly evaluate all facilities as to the building systems, building exterior structures, building cleanliness and appearance, energy usage, and other aspects pertaining to the building. A walk-through of facilities will be conducted as part of this evaluation.

    5. A walk-through of facilities by a representative team of stakeholders may include a:

      1. School-based administrator

      2. Teacher representative

      3. School Health Assistant or Nurse

      4. Custodian

      5. Parent Teacher Association (PTA) representative

      6. Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) representative

      7. Office of School Facilities representative(s)

      8. Office of Safety, Environment and Risk Management representative

      9. Food Service representative

  6. HCPSS school administrators will:

    1. Establish a culture of environmental stewardship carried out by HCPSS employees, students, and community members.

    2. Use the building and grounds as a teaching environment when appropriate.

    3. Monitor and communicate progress in achieving sustainable outcomes, including but not limited to:

      1. Reduction in energy usage.

      2. Increase recycling streams.

II. Definitions

Within the context of these implementation procedures, the following definitions apply:

  1. Energy Star – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) voluntary program that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect our climate through superior energy efficiency.

  2. Green Product Cleaning Supplies – Those products that have positive environmental attributes, including biodegradability, low toxicity, low volatile organic compound content, reduced packaging, and low life cycle energy use.

  3. Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) Green Schools Award – Program that recognizes schools throughout Maryland for their efforts to integrate environmental education for students and staff with best practices and community stewardship.

  4. The Green Seal Standard for Commercial and Institutional Cleaning Services (GS-42) – Environmental requirements for cleaning service providers, including in-house and external cleaning services, to create a green cleaning program that protects human health and the environment.

  5. U. S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) – A program that honors schools and districts that are exemplary in reducing environmental impact and costs; improving health and wellness of students and staff; and providing effective environmental and sustainability education.

III. Monitoring

Policy 6080 implementation procedures will be overseen by the Division of Operations.

IV. History

ADOPTED: December 17, 2013

REVIEWED: December 19, 2019

MODIFIED:

  • September 3, 2015

  • March 10, 2022

REVISED:

EFFECTIVE: March 10, 2022

Policy History Key

  • Adopted-Original date the Board took action to approve a policy
  • Reviewed-The date the status of a policy was assessed by the Superintendent’s Standing Policy Group
  • Modified-The date the Board took action to alter a policy that based on the recommendation of the Superintendent/designee did not require a comprehensive examination
  • Revised-The date the Board took action on a that policy based on the recommendation of the Superintendent/designee needed a comprehensive examination
  • Effective-The date a policy is implemented throughout the HCPSS, typically July 1 following Board action.