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Success Story: Bellevue School District
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Students in Bellevue School District are involved in conservation and outreach activities. |
Number of schools in the district: 27
Participation in the Green Schools Program: District schools received assistance from 2004–2007. District-wide participation began in Sept. 2008.
Green School District, Level One: Achieved in May 2010
Green School District, Level Two: Achieved in May 2011
- In May 2010, the Bellevue School District was recognized as a King County Green School District and in May 2011 the district was recognized as a Level Two Green School District.
- With assistance from both the City of Bellevue and King County, all schools in the district completed Level One (waste reduction and increased recycling) and Level Two (energy conservation).
- By May 2011, 15 schools in the district also completed Level Three, which is focused on water conservation as well as maintenance of Level One and Level Two practices.
- Each school’s success story can be viewed online.
- The 11 schools that completed Level Two in May 2011 will move on to Level Three. The 15 schools that completed Level Three in May 2011 will move on to a district-run conservation program, sustaining the work accomplished in the King County Green Schools Program.
- Energy conservation continues to be a high priority for the district, which has been a leader in promoting energy awareness and implementing cost saving measures in all of its schools. Aerators to reduce water use, energy efficient appliances and lighting, and vending misers to control energy use on vending machines are just a few measures that have been installed.
- The district uses the Washington State Sustainable Schools Protocol as a guide to build healthy, sustainable schools. Each new school that is built incorporates features that encourage efficiency.
- At the District level, many behind-the-scenes changes have been made in an effort to conserve resources.
- Student computers turn off automatically at 4:30 p.m. and staff computers at 5 p.m.
- Temperature set points are at 70 degrees.
- HVAC is scheduled off during unoccupied periods.
- Green cleaning products are used.
- Integrated Pest Management is used to reduce pesticide use.
- The district maintains a web page (external) about its conservation activities.
Awards
- Somerset Elementary (PDF, 200KB) received a 2011 Terry Husseman Sustainable School Award for making a positive impact on the environment by teaching students and staff to reduce waste by reusing, composting and recycling both at home and at school. As a King County Green School, the school also has implemented energy conservation, “no-idle zones” and commute trip reduction initiatives.
- International School received a 2011 Terry Husseman Sustainable School Award. The Green Club puts its mission into action by leading the school community in adopting, improving and maintaining sustainable practices that reduce energy use and waste at school. They have demonstrated successful outcomes by performing waste audits and tracking energy use.
Awards
- Ted Cox, science teacher at Bellevue High School and advisor for Earth Bound, the student environmental club, received a King County Earth Hero at School award in April 2010. He inspires students and staff in conservation efforts at school, at home and in the community.
- Wendy Shol, a teacher at both Sherwood Forest and Bennett Elementary schools, received a King County Earth Hero at School award in April 2009 for her work with the Nike Reuse-A-Shoe Program and a Puget Sound "save the whales" project.
- Medina Elementary School's Green Team received a King County Earth Hero at School award in April 2008 for its "Make One Change Challenge" video.
- Thanh Nguyen, custodian at Newport High School, received a King County Earth Hero at School award in April 2008 for his efforts to boost recycling.
For more information about the school district’s conservation achievements and participation in the Green Schools Program, contact:
Nancy Larson
Manager of Facilities, Information Technology & Maintenance
E-mail: larsonn@bsd405.org
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