| June 17, 2003
News Release
Participating schools selected four out of eight categories in which to make improvements, and then set their goals in each category. The categories are: waste reduction and recycling; environmental purchasing; litter reduction; hazardous materials management and reduction; water conservation; energy conservation; reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; and addressing environmental issues in the classroom. Once goals were set, the principal, the custodian, participating teachers and a student representative signed a pledge. King County provided support to each school, including:
"We're excited about the success of King County's Green Schools Program," said Program Manager Dale Alekel. "Participating schools expanded their conservation practices, saved money and taught their students and staff about day-to-day conservation practices. We look forward to working with more schools next year." Tolt Middle School, in an effort to reduce greenhouse gases, worked to change the Riverview School District's policy on idling buses at schools. School bus drivers were instructed to turn off their engines if their buses idle more than 30 seconds. The school reduced garbage volume by an estimated 15 tons and saved $3,000 in fees for garbage collection and rent for garbage dumpsters. The school also realized an energy savings totaling $1,195 -- a five percent reduction in energy costs for the months of February and March 2003 as compared to the same time span in 2002. "Working with King County provided us additional ways to conserve," said Janet Gavigan, Tolt Middle School's Principal. "Tolt Middle School has truly enjoyed working with the Green Schools Program. We have appreciated the ideas, the support, and how King County staff has made this an enjoyable project. We are hoping to continue practicing everything we started this year." Crestwood Elementary School reduced their water consumption by 60 percent and saved $1,600 when they installed low-flow toilets and no-water urinals in the summer of 2002. They also installed a rain barrel to collect rainwater for use in student gardens. And 95 volunteer student monitors were trained to regularly pull blinds and turn off lights, computer monitors, printers, TVs and VCRs at the end of each day. "Although Crestwood has been involved in conservation efforts for years, it has been a real benefit to partner with King County," said David Staight, Principal of Crestwood Elementary School. "Working with experts in the field has helped us to establish clear goals and explore new resources to get better results from our efforts." Bellevue High School discovered a defect in an outdoor decorative water fountain, thanks to a thorough analysis of its water bills by Green Schools Program staff. The analysis found an increase in water usage of more than 50 percent from 2001 to 2002. The defect, identified as the cause of both this increase and of a soggy area around the fountain, will be repaired this summer. The school's environmental club took a dramatic approach to recycling with a skit that educates faculty about recycling, double-sided copying and energy conservation. "With the help of King County's Green Schools Program, Bellevue High School has made progress toward becoming a more environmentally friendly campus," said Jeannine Sieler, Chemistry Teacher and Earth Bound Club advisor. "We look forward to making more progress next year." King County is recruiting schools to participate in the Green Schools Program next year. Schools and school districts interested in participating during the 2003-04 school year should contact Dale Alekel, King County, at 206-296-8457 or dale.alekel@kingcounty.gov. Related Information
King County Green Schools Program Fact Sheet: Green Schools - Bellevue High School Fact Sheet: Green Schools - Tolt Middle School |
|
Links to external sites do not constitute endorsements by King County. |
King County's Green Schools Program -- in its first year -- helped three area schools to conserve natural resources and cut costs. Participating schools were Crestwood Elementary School (Covington), Tolt Middle School (Carnation) and Bellevue High School. In the program, schools establish common-sense conservation strategies like recycling, monitoring water usage and replacing energy wasting bulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs. One by-product of the program is reduced costs for the school and/or the school district. 
"The King County Green Schools Program is a great example of what students, administrators and local government can accomplish when we all work together," said Ron Sims, King County Executive. "Setting and meeting conservation goals is an excellent way to teach our children about the value of natural resources and the environment. I look forward to seeing this program grow in the future."
News Releases