Congratulations are in order again for this division’s efforts in sustainability. VBCPS earned a Crystal Award in Sustainability at the VCU Energy and Sustainability Conference held in Richmond last month.

The award recognizes outstanding leadership in sustainability best practices in a variety of industries, including local government, commercial real estate and manufacturing. VBCPS earned the award in the K-12 category.

The following is the presenter’s statement during the awards program:

“The jury was most impressed that VBCPS reported 1.5 million square feet of LEED space, 2.4 million square feet of Energy Star space, 62 teaching gardens, 41 schools participating in Lynnhaven River Now, Pearl School Award program, and 64 schools with environmental clubs (1,900 students participated). 

 As if that weren’t enough, they have conducted a greenhouse gas emissions inventory and are now working on a division-wide emissions reduction plan.  To help spread the word, they have published (in print and online) a very thorough 10-page sustainability report quantifying all the different ways they are promoting sustainability across the district and in the classroom.

This school division has been able to quantify accomplishments like an anti-idle policy that has saved $50,000/year, the existence of a sustainable school liaison at each school, and a single-stream recycling program that diverted 4,400 tons* in since September 2008. 

They have implemented a green cleaning program, an integrated pest management program, and a policy that promotes and documents all cafeteria produce that is purchased within 400 miles.  In fact, the food origin location is plotted on a map on the cafeteria wall in each school!  Perhaps among the most impressive stats – electricity use has decreased over the last 6 years even though total building space has increased!”

*It is actually 6,000 tons as of today