Climate Change Action Plan - Implementation End of Year Report July 2024
Climate Change Action Plan - Implementation End of Year Report, July 2024
Climate Change Action Plan - Implementation End of Year Report, July 2024
Climate Change Action Plan - Implementation End of Year Report July 2024
- Climate Change Action Plan Operational Committee Members
- Background Summary
- Introduction
- Priority Recommendation #1: Support Environmental Justice Through Climate Curriculum. Training and Partnerships
- Priority Recommendation #2: Reduce Carbon Footprint from PGCPS Buildings
- Priority Recommendation #3: Commit to Renewable Energy Sources for a Net Zero Emissions Future
- Priority Recommendation #4: Commit to Low Carbon School Transportation
- Priority Recommendation #5: Reduce Food Waste and Grow Climate-Friendly Food
- Priority Recommendation #6: Commit to Sustainable Materials Management and Procurement
- Priority Recommendation #7: Commit to Climate Resilient Land Management
- Priority Recommendation #8: Lead by Example to Support Transformational Change
Board of Education Members
- Lolita E. Walker, District 9, Chair
- Kenneth F. Harris II, Eng.D., Vice Chair, District 7
- Vacant, District 1
- Jonathan Briggs, District 2
- Pamela Boozer-Strother, MBA, CAE, District 3
- Shayla Adams-Stafford, MAT, District 4
- Zipporah Miller, Ed.D., District 5
- Branndon D. Jackson, District 6
- Madeline LaSalle Frazier, LCSW, Ed.S., District 8
- Jamal J. Jongo, Student Board Member
- Millard House II, Superintendent
Climate Change Action Plan Operational Committee Members
- Jamee Alston, Management Analyst, Division of Supporting Services, Department of Building Services
- Kristi Baldwin, Chief of Human Resources
- Donald Belle, Environmental Outreach Educator, Department of Environmental Education, William S. Schmidt Center
- Quincy Boyd, Chief of Staff
- Jean-Paul Cadet, Director, Career and Technical Education
- Jeffery Carpenter, Director, Employee and Labor Relations
- Charoscar Coleman, Chief Operating Officer
- Sylvester Conyers, Instructional Supervisor, William S. Schmidt Center
- Vincent Curl, Safety Office Manager
- Garth Deitzer, Maintenance Planner, Department of Building Services
- Mark Dreszer, Supervisor of Garage Operations, Transportation/ Central Garage Department
- Sara Gillespie, Recycling Technician, Department of Building Services, Plant Operations
- Michael Herbstman, Chief Financial Officer (former)
- David Hill, Transportation Operations Supervisor, Transportation Department
- Dawn Holton, Senior Mechanical Engineer, Department of Capital Programs
- Millard House II, Superintendent
- Sheila Jackson, Director, Family and School Partnerships
- Shawn Matlock, Office of Alternative Infrastructure Planning
- Lynn McCawley, Senior Public Information Specialist, Office of Communications
- George McClure, Supervisor of Athletics
- John McDaniels, Program Coordinator, Department of Career and Technical Education / JROTC, Public Safety and Homeland Security
- Max Pugh, Web Services Supervisor, Office of Communications
- David Rease, Director, Office of Equity and Excellence
- Keba Baldwin, Director of Transportation
- Mastan Shaik, Data Warehouse Supervisor, Division of Information Technology
- Joan Shorter, Director, Food and Nutrition Services
- Ronald Skyles, Architectural Project Manager, Department of Capital Programs
- William Smith, Project Management Supervisor, Department of Capital Programs
- Sam Stefanelli, Director, Building Services
- Sheila Stevens, Program Manager, Sustainability & Resiliency
- Jason Walker, Energy Management/Building Automation Technician, Department of Building Services
- Jason Washington, Associate Superintendent, Supporting Service
- Amber Wilson, Executive Assistant, Office of the Chief Executive Officer
- Melissa Wilson, Supervisor, School Leadership Programs, Office of Professional Learning and Leadership
- Andrew Zuckerman, Chief Information and Technology Officer
Background Summary
On March 1, 2021, the Prince George’s County Board of Education established the Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) Focus Work Group to develop a plan for creating and meeting climate action goals. Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) will work to meet UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emission reduction targets by 2030 or 2040, depending on the target.
To begin implementing the 58 Climate Change Action Plan items, the Chief Executive Officer created a Climate Change Action Plan Operational Committee, composed of 38 PGCPS staff members who meet monthly to review each action item, share progress for each priority area and discuss plans to continue moving the work forward. Additionally, eight priority area implementation workgroups with technical expertise have been established and meet as often as required to execute tangible project tasks, which are reported on during the larger monthly Operational Committee meetings.
Introduction
As PGCPS continues its journey of transformation for excellence in education and equity, it embraces a culture of sustainability and is working diligently to implement measures to sustain healthy students, families, communities and the ecosystems that support them. In the face of a changing climate, PGCPS recognizes the importance of planning, collaborating, and investing in our infrastructure and day-to-day operations so that we are prepared for and resilient to the impacts of climate change.
Within the past two years, PGCPS has made noteworthy accomplishments to reduce its carbon emissions footprint through energy efficiency in operations and the development of renewable sources of energy as new schools are being constructed. New schools are being built to a minimum standard of LEEDS Silver, with electric vehicle charging and solar ready infrastructure and geothermal energy.
PGCPS has secured, to date, a fleet of 40 plus electric school buses and is working to build the infrastructure needed to support these cleaner vehicles. We have also made progress in reducing food and other waste in schools through composting and recycling of materials. We have conducted curriculum audits and are exploring strategies by which to infuse climate change and environmental justice literacy into learning and awareness for our students.
Recognizing the all-encompassing nature of sustainability practices, we continue to forge internal and external partnerships and deliberate with diverse stakeholders to help identify and adopt smart management practices as well as leverage limited resources. During the 2023-2024 school year, PGCPS applied for and was awarded over $10 million in grant funds, which will aid efforts to reach our set targets and accomplish our goals for a more sustainable and resilient school district and beyond.
The 2024 Year-End Report highlights activities and progress over the past 12 months. An archive of past reports can be accessed HERE.
Priority Recommendation #1: Support Environmental Justice Through Climate Curriculum. Training and Partnerships
| Create Climate Curriculum and Environmental Justice Work Group | • Multiple climate change professional development sessions for teachers were offered throughout SY23-24. • Developed an initial set of sustainability principles. • Worked with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to plan Prince George’s County Climate Change Investigations and Actions sessions (summer sessions). • Developed and conducted the Climate and Stormwater Stewards Program, providing over 30 field experiences for students (3rd-12th grade) at no cost to schools. • Guided the Student Environmental Coalition in meetings, activities and planning of the Student Environmental Alliance Summit. |
| Launch Annual Climate-Ready Leadership Summit |
|
| Enhance Access to Climate Technology | • Solar energy data monitoring was established at Glenarden Woods Elementary School. • Installation for solar energy data monitoring is underway at Greenbelt MS and Oxon Hill High School. • Worked with the University of Maryland Center for Community Engagement, Environmental Justice, and Health to expand outdoor air quality monitor networks. |
| Enhance CTE Program to Further Incorporate “Green” Skills and Job Readiness | • The Environmental, Agricultural and Natural Resources (EANR) Program at Gwynn Park High School received a $60,000 Innovation grant for educational development and/or program enhancements. • Auto Program coordinator Truell Ard received an electric Toyota bZ4X to allow a deeper dive into electric vehicle education in maintenance and repair. • EANR = International HS @ Largo teacher will attend training in the first course for the EANR program: Natural Resources pathway, June 2023. This is the first step to expand the EANR program. |
| Build New Climate Partnerships with Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations (ENGOs) and Businesses |
|
| Incorporate Climate and Environmental Justice Curriculum into Learning Standards and Benchmarks |
|
Priority Recommendation #2: Reduce Carbon Footprint from PGCPS Buildings
| Require Private Partners to Participate in All Rebates and Other Appropriate Programs |
|
| Collect and Disseminate Data on Building Energy Performance |
|
| Build Staff Capacity in Building Maintenance and Management |
|
| Consolidate PGCPS Administration/ Central Office Staff |
|
| Perform Comprehensive Energy Audit of All Existing Buildings and Rely on Data for Educational Facilities Master Plan (EFMP) Cycles |
|
| Move Toward Fossil Fuel Free/Net-Zero Ready for All New Construction |
|
| Research and Potentially Implement Wastewater Thermal Energy Technologies |
|
| Phase Out Fossil Fuel Powered Steam and Water Heating Systems |
|
| Phase Out R-22 HVAC | PGCPS has a plan in place to replace all R-22 & R410A equipment with equipment utilizing refrigerants such as R-454B with GWP ratings lower than anticipated Kigali phasedown requirements into the 2030s. R-32 may be used as well. Equipment using R-134A will be replaced with R-513A. |
| Design All New PGCPS Buildings to be Resiliency Hubs | All new construction projects are being evaluated to serve as resiliency hubs. |
Priority Recommendation #3: Commit to Renewable Energy Sources for a Net Zero Emissions Future
|
Begin Renewable Energy Purchasing Through Wholesale Markets |
|
| Create a Publicly Available Dashboard |
|
| Install Solar Panels on PGCPS Property |
|
| Sign onto Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) for Off-site Renewable Energy |
|
| Explore Approaches to Integrate Battery Backup Power | PGCPS is exploring battery backup power at its inaugural Bus Depot for Clean School Buses (PGCPS-Mullikin Bus Lot). |
Priority Recommendation #4: Commit to Low Carbon School Transportation
| Modify Bus Route to Fuel Use |
|
| Electrify All Buses by 2040 |
|
| Increase Walking/ Biking/Public Transit Use |
|
| Any Walking Or Biking Change Must Include A Safety Component |
|
| Eliminate Unnecessary Idling from School Buses |
|
| Increase the Safety and Other Amenities Available on School Buses |
|
| Electrify All Light- Duty Vehicles and Other Equipment by 2040 |
|
Priority Recommendation #5: Reduce Food Waste and Grow Climate-Friendly Food
| Eliminate Unnecessary Idling from School Buses |
|
| Reduce Food Waste and Increase Composting |
|
Priority Recommendation #6: Commit to Sustainable Materials Management and Procurement
| Develop a Sustainable Purchasing Policy |
|
| Reduce School Meal Packaging Sent to the Landfill |
|
| Promote Recycling and Waste Reduction in PGCPS |
|
| Improve the Carbon Footprint of the Waste Collection System |
|
| Expand Tracking of Waste and Diversion Rates |
|
Priority Recommendation #7: Commit to Climate Resilient Land Management
| Conduct a Systemwide Landscape Inventory and Develop a Plan for Green Infrastructure and Sustainable Landscape Management |
|
| Establish a Systemwide Project Database with Tracking and Monitoring for All Green Infrastructure and Conservation Landscapes |
|
| Incorporate Stormwater Management Activities into School Curriculum to Enhance Climate Science |
|
| Streamline the Review Process for Green Infrastructure Projects and Separate the Review Process from the Current Site Permitting Process |
|
| Plant More Trees at Each School and Across the School System |
|
| Plant Native Plants and Create Conservation Landscapes for Stormwater and Multiple Benefits |
|
| Increase the Number of School-Based Green Infrastructure Projects |
|
| Transition Sports Field Surfaces to Natural Turf |
|
| Reduce Paved Surfaces and Replace Remaining Impervious Parking Areas with Pervious Paving |
|
| Investigate Building Structures and Retrofit Green Roofs Where Feasible |
|
| Preserve Existing Trees and Woodlands During Site Development Process |
|
| Reuse Already Developed Properties for School Sites |
|
Priority Recommendation #8: Lead by Example to Support Transformational Change
|
Create a Sustainability & Resiliency Officer Position in the PGCPS Administration |
|
| Ensure that Equity Permeates Through All Decisions Implementing the CCAP |
|
| Ensure Equitable, Meaningful Student and Community Engagement |
|
| Ensure that Negotiated Workforce Contracts Respond to the CCAP Recommendations |
|
| Lobby for Necessary Changes to State, County and Federal Law and Regulations |
|
| Ensure that Capital Program and Other Budgetary Decisions Keep the CCAP Goals |
|
| Update Inaugural Climate Change Action Plan |
|
Climate Change Action Plan - Implementation End of Year Report July 2024 (Full Text)
Table of Contents
- Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) Operational Committee Members
- Background Summary
- CCAP Task Force Recommendations and Action Plan
- Priority 1: Support Environmental Justice Through Climate Curriculum, Training and Partnerships
- Priority 2: Reduce Carbon Footprint from PGCPS Buildings
- Priority 3: Commit to Renewable Energy Sources for a Net Zero Emissions Future
- Priority 4: Commit to Low Carbon School Transportation
- Priority 5: Reduce Food Waste and Grow Climate-Friendly Food
- Priority 6: Commit to Sustainable Materials Management and Procurement
- Priority 7: Commit to Climate Resilient Land Management
- Priority 8: Lead by Example to Support Transformational Change
Board of Education Members
- Lolita E. Walker, District 9, Chair
- Kenneth F. Harris II, Eng.D., Vice Chair, District 7
- Vacant, District 1
- Jonathan Briggs, District 2
- Pamela Boozer-Strother, MBA, CAE, District 3
- Shayla Adams-Stafford, MAT, District 4
- Zipporah Miller, Ed.D., District 5
- Branndon D. Jackson, District 6
- Madeline LaSalle Frazier, LCSW, Ed.S., District 8
- Jamal J. Jongo, Student Board Member
- Millard House II, Superintendent
Climate Change Action Plan Operational Committee Members
- Jamee Alston, Management Analyst, Division of Supporting Services, Department of Building Services
- Kristi Baldwin, Chief of Human Resources
- Donald Belle, Environmental Outreach Educator, Department of Environmental Education, William S. Schmidt Center
- Quincy Boyd, Chief of Staff
- Jean-Paul Cadet, Director, Career and Technical Education
- Jeffery Carpenter, Director, Employee and Labor Relations
- Charoscar Coleman, Chief Operating Officer
- Sylvester Conyers, Instructional Supervisor, William S. Schmidt Center
- Vincent Curl, Safety Office Manager
- Garth Deitzer, Maintenance Planner, Department of Building Services
- Mark Dreszer, Supervisor of Garage Operations, Transportation/ Central Garage Department
- Sara Gillespie, Recycling Technician, Department of Building Services, Plant Operations
- Michael Herbstman, Chief Financial Officer (former)
- David Hill, Transportation Operations Supervisor, Transportation Department
- Dawn Holton, Senior Mechanical Engineer, Department of Capital Programs
- Millard House II, Superintendent
- Sheila Jackson, Director, Family and School Partnerships
- Shawn Matlock, Office of Alternative Infrastructure Planning
- Lynn McCawley, Senior Public Information Specialist, Office of Communications
- George McClure, Supervisor of Athletics
- John McDaniels, Program Coordinator, Department of Career and Technical Education / JROTC, Public Safety and Homeland Security
- Max Pugh, Web Services Supervisor, Office of Communications
- David Rease, Director, Office of Equity and Excellence
- Keba Baldwin, Director of Transportation
- Mastan Shaik, Data Warehouse Supervisor, Division of Information Technology
- Joan Shorter, Director, Food and Nutrition Services
- Ronald Skyles, Architectural Project Manager, Department of Capital Programs
- William Smith, Project Management Supervisor, Department of Capital Programs
- Sam Stefanelli, Director, Building Services
- Sheila Stevens, Program Manager, Sustainability & Resiliency
- Jason Walker, Energy Management/Building Automation Technician, Department of Building Services
- Jason Washington, Associate Superintendent, Supporting Service
- Amber Wilson, Executive Assistant, Office of the Chief Executive Officer
- Melissa Wilson, Supervisor, School Leadership Programs, Office of Professional Learning and Leadership
- Andrew Zuckerman, Chief Information and Technology Officer
Background Summary
On March 1, 2021, the Prince George’s County Board of Education established the Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) Focus Work Group to develop a plan for creating and meeting climate action goals. Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) will work to meet UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emission reduction targets by 2030 or 2040, depending on the target.
To begin implementing the 58 Climate Change Action Plan items, the Chief Executive Officer created a Climate Change Action Plan Operational Committee, composed of 38 PGCPS staff members who meet monthly to review each action item, share progress for each priority area and discuss plans to continue moving the work forward. Additionally, eight priority area implementation workgroups with technical expertise have been established and meet as often as required to execute tangible project tasks, which are reported on during the larger monthly Operational Committee meetings.
Introduction
A biannual report is published in January and July each year to keep all stakeholders informed of our progress and ways they can support our continued work to reduce our carbon footprint. The report focuses on how a changing climate affects K-12 education and actions needed to move toward a carbonneutral future. PGCPS believes taking urgent action to combat climate change is critical to the future of our students and our community. The CCAP empowers our students, staff, and administration to work as partners with our county and state to bring about transformational changes and help create a future where we all share the benefits of healthy air, clean water, job opportunities, and safe places to live, work and play.
In the Fall of 2023, PGCPS created a new Department of Sustainability and Resilience (DSR) to oversee implementation of the CCAP and drive sustainability ethics in the school district. DSR is collaborating with the Board of Education, members of the eight priority workgroups and community partners throughout the implementation process. Additional hires and reorganizing existing in-house talent will bolster DSR’s capacity in this effort.
Though not all inclusive, the 2024 January Mid-year Report highlights some key accomplishments towards the CCAP implementation for the period of July, 2023 through December 2023. For a full accounting of CCAP implementation progress and achievements to date, prior CCAP reports can be accessed HERE.
Priority Recommendation #1: Support Environmental Justice Through Climate Curriculum. Training and Partnerships
| Create Climate Curriculum and Environmental Justice Work Group | • Multiple climate change professional development sessions for teachers were offered throughout SY23-24. • Developed an initial set of sustainability principles. • Worked with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to plan Prince George’s County Climate Change Investigations and Actions sessions (summer sessions). • Developed and conducted the Climate and Stormwater Stewards Program, providing over 30 field experiences for students (3rd-12th grade) at no cost to schools. • Guided the Student Environmental Coalition in meetings, activities and planning of the Student Environmental Alliance Summit. |
| Launch Annual Climate-Ready Leadership Summit |
|
| Enhance Access to Climate Technology | • Solar energy data monitoring was established at Glenarden Woods Elementary School. • Installation for solar energy data monitoring is underway at Greenbelt MS and Oxon Hill High School. • Worked with the University of Maryland Center for Community Engagement, Environmental Justice, and Health to expand outdoor air quality monitor networks. |
| Enhance CTE Program to Further Incorporate “Green” Skills and Job Readiness | • The Environmental, Agricultural and Natural Resources (EANR) Program at Gwynn Park High School received a $60,000 Innovation grant for educational development and/or program enhancements. • Auto Program coordinator Truell Ard received an electric Toyota bZ4X to allow a deeper dive into electric vehicle education in maintenance and repair. • EANR = International HS @ Largo teacher will attend training in the first course for the EANR program: Natural Resources pathway, June 2023. This is the first step to expand the EANR program. |
| Build New Climate Partnerships with Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations (ENGOs) and Businesses |
|
| Incorporate Climate and Environmental Justice Curriculum into Learning Standards and Benchmarks |
|
Priority Recommendation #2: Reduce Carbon Footprint from PGCPS Buildings
| Require Private Partners to Participate in All Rebates and Other Appropriate Programs |
|
| Collect and Disseminate Data on Building Energy Performance |
|
| Build Staff Capacity in Building Maintenance and Management |
|
| Consolidate PGCPS Administration/ Central Office Staff |
|
| Perform Comprehensive Energy Audit of All Existing Buildings and Rely on Data for Educational Facilities Master Plan (EFMP) Cycles |
|
| Move Toward Fossil Fuel Free/Net-Zero Ready for All New Construction |
|
| Research and Potentially Implement Wastewater Thermal Energy Technologies |
|
| Phase Out Fossil Fuel Powered Steam and Water Heating Systems |
|
| Phase Out R-22 HVAC | PGCPS has a plan in place to replace all R-22 & R410A equipment with equipment utilizing refrigerants such as R-454B with GWP ratings lower than anticipated Kigali phasedown requirements into the 2030s. R-32 may be used as well. Equipment using R-134A will be replaced with R-513A. |
| Design All New PGCPS Buildings to be Resiliency Hubs | All new construction projects are being evaluated to serve as resiliency hubs. |
Priority Recommendation #3: Commit to Renewable Energy Sources for a Net Zero Emissions Future
|
Begin Renewable Energy Purchasing Through Wholesale Markets |
|
| Create a Publicly Available Dashboard |
|
| Install Solar Panels on PGCPS Property |
|
| Sign onto Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) for Off-site Renewable Energy |
|
| Explore Approaches to Integrate Battery Backup Power | PGCPS is exploring battery backup power at its inaugural Bus Depot for Clean School Buses (PGCPS-Mullikin Bus Lot). |
Priority Recommendation #4: Commit to Low Carbon School Transportation
| Modify Bus Route to Fuel Use |
|
| Electrify All Buses by 2040 |
|
| Increase Walking/ Biking/Public Transit Use |
|
| Any Walking Or Biking Change Must Include A Safety Component |
|
| Eliminate Unnecessary Idling from School Buses |
|
| Increase the Safety and Other Amenities Available on School Buses |
|
| Electrify All Light- Duty Vehicles and Other Equipment by 2040 |
|
Priority Recommendation #5: Reduce Food Waste and Grow Climate-Friendly Food
| Eliminate Unnecessary Idling from School Buses |
|
| Reduce Food Waste and Increase Composting |
|
Priority Recommendation #6: Commit to Sustainable Materials Management and Procurement
| Develop a Sustainable Purchasing Policy |
|
| Reduce School Meal Packaging Sent to the Landfill |
|
| Promote Recycling and Waste Reduction in PGCPS |
|
| Improve the Carbon Footprint of the Waste Collection System |
|
| Expand Tracking of Waste and Diversion Rates |
|
Priority Recommendation #7: Commit to Climate Resilient Land Management
| Conduct a Systemwide Landscape Inventory and Develop a Plan for Green Infrastructure and Sustainable Landscape Management |
|
| Establish a Systemwide Project Database with Tracking and Monitoring for All Green Infrastructure and Conservation Landscapes |
|
| Incorporate Stormwater Management Activities into School Curriculum to Enhance Climate Science |
|
| Streamline the Review Process for Green Infrastructure Projects and Separate the Review Process from the Current Site Permitting Process |
|
| Plant More Trees at Each School and Across the School System |
|
| Plant Native Plants and Create Conservation Landscapes for Stormwater and Multiple Benefits |
|
| Increase the Number of School-Based Green Infrastructure Projects |
|
| Transition Sports Field Surfaces to Natural Turf |
|
| Reduce Paved Surfaces and Replace Remaining Impervious Parking Areas with Pervious Paving |
|
| Investigate Building Structures and Retrofit Green Roofs Where Feasible |
|
| Preserve Existing Trees and Woodlands During Site Development Process |
|
| Reuse Already Developed Properties for School Sites |
|
Priority Recommendation #8: Lead by Example to Support Transformational Change
|
Create a Sustainability & Resiliency Officer Position in the PGCPS Administration |
|
| Ensure that Equity Permeates Through All Decisions Implementing the CCAP |
|
| Ensure Equitable, Meaningful Student and Community Engagement |
|
| Ensure that Negotiated Workforce Contracts Respond to the CCAP Recommendations |
|
| Lobby for Necessary Changes to State, County and Federal Law and Regulations |
|
| Ensure that Capital Program and Other Budgetary Decisions Keep the CCAP Goals |
|
| Update Inaugural Climate Change Action Plan |
|