Per Chancellor's Regulation A-850, all DOE facilities and schools report on sustainability practices to emphasize the importance of sustainability, to create a culture that accepts fiscal responsibility for sustainability goals, to enhance building performance, to foster a sense of citizenship, and to complete and implement a site-specific waste prevention, reuse, recycling, and energy conservation plan.
Each principal designates a person from the school’s administrative or teaching staff to be the Sustainability Coordinator for that individual school. If a school is located on a “campus” (i.e. a building containing more than one school or program), the principals for the various schools may appoint one person to serve as the Sustainability Coordinator for all the schools in the building.
Responsibilities of the Sustainability Coordinator
The Sustainability Coordinator is responsible for:
- Completing and implementing the school’s sustainability plan, or in the case of non-school buildings, the building’s sustainability plan. Sustainability Coordinators shall review and report to the Principal/Building Captain on recycling practices at the school or building, serving as the conduit for sustainable curriculum development initiatives in school buildings.
- Utilizing the U.S. EPA Energy Star Portfolio Manager provided by the DOE in assisting with energy conservation programs.
- If a school is located on a campus, Sustainability Coordinators from each school shall hold periodic campus-wide sustainability meetings to coordinate their conservation efforts (e.g., turn off the lights and equipment that are not in use).
- Sustainability Coordinators shall complete and submit to the DOE’s Director of Sustainability the Annual Sustainability Survey.
- The Sustainability Coordinator shall consult with representatives from all sectors of the school or DOE building, including principal(s), food services, administrative and facilities staff, and wherever possible, parents and students, in developing and implementing all of the sustainability initiatives at the school.
Time Allocation Opportunities for Sustainability Coordinators
Speak with your principal and UFT chapter leader if you are interested in pursuing any of these time allocations:
- School-Based Option (SBOs)
- Professional development hours
- Professional period (Circular 6)
- Per session for after/before school compensation
Tips for Sustainability Coordinators – Build A Team!
Here are recommended steps to take as you fulfill this role:
- Introduce yourself as the Sustainability Coordinator to your school’s Custodian Engineer, cafeteria staff, PA/PTA, and other school staff.
- Recruit at least one colleague to be your co-coordinator
- Start a Green Team/environmental club. This can include both students and staff.
Resources for Sustainability Coordinators
The DOE Office of Energy and Sustainability has great resources for Sustainability Coordinators on their Sustainability Hub including:
- Classroom activities, lessons, and resources
- In-person and virtual professional learning on a variety of climate-related topics
- Ongoing support from Sustainability Specialists on the Office of Energy and Sustainability team.