greenBVSD
“The Boulder Valley School District is committed to becoming a leader in environmental sustainability by creating healthy learning environments while providing students with the skills to address the systemic challenges faced by the world in this new century.”
- BVSD Sustainability Management System
Board of Education Environmental Sustainability Policy
In January 2010, the Boulder Valley Board of Education passed a policy in support of sustainability efforts and the Sustainability Management System.
Sustainability Resolution
In May 2009, BVSD adopted a resolution supporting environmental sustainability, jointly created with City of Boulder, University of Colorado at Boulder and Boulder County.
These four organizations are committing to prioritize collaborative efforts in the following areas:
- Creation of a workforce available for green jobs through career and technical education training, and teaching and internship opportunities;
- Greenhouse gas emissions reductions and climate change adaptation planning, including unified carbon tracking and reporting;
- Identification of large-scale renewable energy opportunities;
- Pursuance of initiatives in furtherance of zero waste goals; and
- Exploration of joint funding opportunities to further implementation of all of the above.
![students helping kids sort waste in cafeteria]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1618953662/bvsdorg/bfjmqmq4ztqy3koaqjtf/MeadowlarkFoodWasteAudit.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1618953662/bvsdorg/bfjmqmq4ztqy3koaqjtf/MeadowlarkFoodWasteAudit.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1618953662/bvsdorg/bfjmqmq4ztqy3koaqjtf/MeadowlarkFoodWasteAudit.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1618953662/bvsdorg/bfjmqmq4ztqy3koaqjtf/MeadowlarkFoodWasteAudit.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1618953662/bvsdorg/bfjmqmq4ztqy3koaqjtf/MeadowlarkFoodWasteAudit.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1618953662/bvsdorg/bfjmqmq4ztqy3koaqjtf/MeadowlarkFoodWasteAudit.jpg","width":2200}])
In March, dozens of district partners and community sustainability stakeholders joined Boulder Valley School District staff to launch our community engagement work to update the district’s Sustainability Management System (SMS). This effort is the third update of the plan that was originally published in 2009 and updated in 2015.
![students and families gathered at Sanchez outdoor space]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1618591349/bvsdorg/hce1gefa8519c45bvyz1/sanchezoutdoorlearnng.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1618591349/bvsdorg/hce1gefa8519c45bvyz1/sanchezoutdoorlearnng.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1618591349/bvsdorg/hce1gefa8519c45bvyz1/sanchezoutdoorlearnng.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1618591349/bvsdorg/hce1gefa8519c45bvyz1/sanchezoutdoorlearnng.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1618591349/bvsdorg/hce1gefa8519c45bvyz1/sanchezoutdoorlearnng.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1618591349/bvsdorg/hce1gefa8519c45bvyz1/sanchezoutdoorlearnng.jpg","width":2048}])
On a recent Spring Saturday, students from Alicia Sanchez Elementary took turns packing dirt around newly installed wildlife displays in the open space just outside of their school, while across the way, Centaurus High School students were laboring to build new trails between the elementary school and the surrounding neighborhood.
![electric bus delivery]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1614807685/bvsdorg/oobmdkwuyipct9odfbdz/IMG_4275.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1614807685/bvsdorg/oobmdkwuyipct9odfbdz/IMG_4275.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1614807685/bvsdorg/oobmdkwuyipct9odfbdz/IMG_4275.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1614807685/bvsdorg/oobmdkwuyipct9odfbdz/IMG_4275.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1614807685/bvsdorg/oobmdkwuyipct9odfbdz/IMG_4275.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1614807685/bvsdorg/oobmdkwuyipct9odfbdz/IMG_4275.jpg","width":2200}])
Recently, BVSD welcomed an exciting new addition to our school bus fleet--an all-electric bus! The Blue Bird Vision model is a clean, efficient, and more environmentally sustainable version of a conventionally-fueled 71-passenger yellow bus.
![students playing ball outside]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1607986806/bvsdorg/sdsecgfqmlnpvbzokxvs/IMG_51331.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1607986806/bvsdorg/sdsecgfqmlnpvbzokxvs/IMG_51331.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1607986806/bvsdorg/sdsecgfqmlnpvbzokxvs/IMG_51331.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1607986806/bvsdorg/sdsecgfqmlnpvbzokxvs/IMG_51331.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1607986806/bvsdorg/sdsecgfqmlnpvbzokxvs/IMG_51331.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1607986806/bvsdorg/sdsecgfqmlnpvbzokxvs/IMG_51331.jpg","width":2200}])
We're so lucky in the Boulder Valley School District to have such beautiful outdoor spaces, even on our own properties. So when the pandemic hit, utilizing the outdoors has become not only a safe alternative to indoor classes, but a nice change of scenery for learning and engaging.
![BVSD Custodians Recognized for Supporting Zero Waste]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1607616886/bvsdorg/wydvn6odiaiw8wtvjccg/GreenStarSchoolsCrop.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1607616886/bvsdorg/wydvn6odiaiw8wtvjccg/GreenStarSchoolsCrop.jpg","width":321}])
Custodial teams work hard to maintain safe and clean learning environments for students and school staff. They are vital to the success of the Green Star Schools Program which supports composting at our schools. Two BVSD custodians were featured in the latest issue of EcoCycle's Green Star News.
![Outdoor Learning]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1603839309/bvsdorg/seh8kymhuypvsitw9weg/IMG_0052sc.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1603839309/bvsdorg/seh8kymhuypvsitw9weg/IMG_0052sc.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1603839309/bvsdorg/seh8kymhuypvsitw9weg/IMG_0052sc.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1603839309/bvsdorg/seh8kymhuypvsitw9weg/IMG_0052sc.jpg","width":1137}])
There are many advantages to outdoor learning. Outdoor learning can provide meaningful opportunities for students and teachers to connect. There are also mental and physical health benefits to being outdoors. In addition, transmission of COVID-19 is lower outside, and using the outdoors will help slow the spread of the virus and increase opportunities for in-person learning.
![solar panels]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1564175028/bvsdorg/qb29tjtbhpipwo27uzh9/BHS1013.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1564175028/bvsdorg/qb29tjtbhpipwo27uzh9/BHS1013.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1564175028/bvsdorg/qb29tjtbhpipwo27uzh9/BHS1013.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1564175028/bvsdorg/qb29tjtbhpipwo27uzh9/BHS1013.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1564175028/bvsdorg/qb29tjtbhpipwo27uzh9/BHS1013.jpg","width":1440}])
BVSD has live energy data for all schools. We are transitioning to a new dashboard which will be available in Spring 2021. For information about energy programming and progress go to: sites.google.com/bvsd.org/energy
![Sustainability Managment System]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1564171644/bvsdorg/pj61mv88rhaovpp5awyz/CarrotHarvestOllin-2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1564171644/bvsdorg/pj61mv88rhaovpp5awyz/CarrotHarvestOllin-2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1564171644/bvsdorg/pj61mv88rhaovpp5awyz/CarrotHarvestOllin-2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1564171644/bvsdorg/pj61mv88rhaovpp5awyz/CarrotHarvestOllin-2.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1564171644/bvsdorg/pj61mv88rhaovpp5awyz/CarrotHarvestOllin-2.jpg","width":1440}])
The Sustainability Management System puts policy into action by setting five-year goals for performance in four areas: Transportation, Buildings, Materials Flows, and Education. These four areas are joined with cross-cutting themes of Climate and Health.
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