Holy Rosary School has been for their participation in a pilot project testing the new Washington Green Schools program.
This statewide program is designed to reduce the environmental and carbon footprint of K-12 school campuses while strengthening student environmental leadership and stewardship.
Based online, Washington Green Schools provides a structure, tools, and resources for students and staff to assess and take action in energy efficiency, recycling and waste reduction, toxics reduction and indoor air quality, transportation and outdoor air quality, water quality and conservation on campus.
Out of 14 pilot schools, Holy Rosary received certification in the energy category. The Washington Green Schools program has five levels; schools begin the program and work to become certified at each level, accomplishing each level requirements from 1 to 5, the highest level of certification.
Holy Rosary has:
· Established school-wide strategies for turning off all lights when adequate sunlight was available or when rooms were not in use.
· Established school-wide strategies to turn off (or put to sleep) all computer monitors, peripherals (printers, scanners, etc.) and other electronic equipment (copiers, typewriters, etc.) when not in use.
· Performed a skit, puppet show, or another type of entertainment related to energy use and conservation for the school and community members.
Starting August 17, 2009, any K-12 school in the state can register and participate in the revised five- level program. Interested schools can find out more information and create an account online at http://www.wagreenschools.org.
Washington Green Schools was developed by solid waste educators and other environmental and education experts throughout the state and is currently funded by a grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology. The Steering Team includes representatives from the Department of Ecology, Seattle Public Utilities, Clark County Solid Waste, Thurston County Solid Waste, Association of Washington School Principals, and the Spokane Regional Solid Waste System.
