The Center for Green Schools will host an in-person conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico to explore topics related to sustainability in schools. As a promotional partner for this year’s conference, we encourage all of our members to explore the program and register. Learn how you can be a part of making sustainable schools a reality!
Click here to visit the Green Schools Conference website.
This conference is designed for building industry professionals, nonprofit staff, teachers, parents, students, school and district staff, educational leaders, and anyone with a passion for sustainability in schools. This year’s conference includes sessions on funding sources and models, the relationship between sustainability and equity, strategies to engage youth in climate action, and the role of nature in education and wellness. Some familiar USGBC faces will moderate sessions, as well as leaders in the education and sustainability industries.
Some highlights from the program include: a pre-conference day of touring schoolyards for biodiversity, health, and education; a session led by USGBC Associate Director Steph Leonard titled “Sustainability Storytelling to Ignite Advocacy and Action”; and a session on environmental justice led by Portland Public Schools’ Advisor for Climate Justice, Kat Davis. For those excited by building and energy efficiency, join us a day early for a behind the scenes tour of Santa Fe Public Schools to see how the district has reduced water consumption by 52% and utilized solar power to replace 22% of the district’s electricity usage. The tour also includes Santa Fe Community College, “a hub of innovation in clean energy, green building practices, and green workforce development”; their greywater storage, absorption coolers, biodiesel and aquaponics labs, Innovation Center, LEED Platinum Trades and Advanced Technology Center, and campus microgrid exemplify what sustainability can look like in educational institutions.
Registration discounts are available for members of the USGBC, PreK-12 employees, nonprofit employees, and students or emerging professionals. Click here to see registration costs, and make sure you register before January 11th in order to secure the early bird rate!