Policy 6080 Implementation Procedures - Sustainability
Implementation Procedures
I. Definitions
Within the context of these implementation procedures, the following definitions apply:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
II. Coordination of Systemwide Efforts
School and office staff members will consider sustainable practices as part of both administrative and curricular practices. A systematic approach to sustainability will be taken across the school system.
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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:
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Energy data by building.
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Recycling data by building.
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Best practice information, including Green School applications.
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Partnerships/local government connections.
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General procurement guidance.
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Annual summary that includes the above items.
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Ensure that procurement decisions reflect consideration of the Triple Bottom Line approach.
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All procurement decisions that require Board approval will include a specification review of environmental impact.
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All staff members will consider sustainability in purchases. Examples of sustainability standards that may be considered include but are not limited to:
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Green cleaning supplies.
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Energy Star rated appliances and devices.
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Curricular Offices should encourage activities and instructional programs that promote sustainable practices and environmental literacy.
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Encourage collaboration/communication of best practices including publicizing progress made in all schools achieving either:
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Maryland Association of Environmental and Outdoor Education Green School.
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US Department of Education Green Ribbon certification.
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Offices will make connections among programs to promote sustainability education and practice when practicable.
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Operations and Maintenance Practices
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The HCPSS will comply with green building practices in accordance with state and local regulations, and will review national best practices as applicable.
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HCPSS will continue to expand GS-42 Green Cleaning practices throughout the school system.
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Particular emphasis will be placed on operations and maintenance efforts that lead to an improvement in indoor environmental quality.
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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.
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A walk-through of facilities by a representative team of stakeholders may include a:
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School-based administrator
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Teacher representative
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School Health Assistant or Nurse
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Custodian
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Parent Teacher Association (PTA) representative
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Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) representative
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Office of School Facilities representative(s)
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Office of Safety, Environment and Risk Management representative
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Food Service representative
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Schools will:
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Establish a culture of environmental stewardship carried out by staff, students, and community members.
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Use the building and grounds as a teaching environment when appropriate.
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Monitor and communicate progress in achieving sustainable outcomes, including but not limited to:
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Reduction in energy usage and increased recycling streams.
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Increase recycling streams.
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III. History
ADOPTED: December 17, 2013
REVIEWED:
MODIFIED: September 3, 2015
REVISED:
EFFECTIVE: September 3, 2015