Return to:  2008 Annual Report Introduction

Schools Segment Report

March, 2009

Most activity falling under the CEAP umbrella for the Schools Segment occurred through established organizations like the Palo Alto Sustainable Schools Committee, the PAUSD PTA, PA Utilities sponsored programs, the District and individual school Green Teams, among others.

2008 Accomplishments

➢    Achieved a 44% walk and bike rate to Palo Alto schools (compared to the 13% national average) reflecting ongoing efforts by PTA Traffic Safety Committee

➢    Established the first PAUSD tree planting policy to explicitly promotes the use of trees to cool school environments and save water and energy

➢    Introduced a new paper reduction program at a pilot school, converted 50% of families from paper to electronic communication

➢    Held the first “PA School Green Team Conference” to generate action and spread best practices at schools (sponsored by Utilities)

➢    Created an on-line network via the CEAP wiki and Yahoo groups to facilitate communication and spread of best practices among schools

➢    Generated a district wide comparative gas and electricity use report to support School Green Team efforts

Plans for 2009

➢    Follow through on district plans for

o    Solar Power Purchase Agreement

o    Solar power installation on the Science Resource Center

o    Regular energy use reports to focus school efforts and measure progress

➢    Continue School Green Team conferences and spread of best practices among schools through on-line tools

➢    Expand community and school engagement for continued success in

o    walk, bike, bus or pool to school programs

o    “zero waste” recycling methods at schools

➢    Develop projects or community effort focused on other high impact areas

o    buildings - new & existing (recycling demo material, natural light & climate control, etc.)

o    other electricity, gas, water conservation approaches