National Healthy Schools Day, April 26, 2010, promotes healthy and green school environments for all children. “The School District of Palm Beach County is committed to providing a healthful learning and working environment for students and staff and is proud to join schools around the country in celebrating National Healthy Schools Day,” said Joseph Sanches, Chief of Facilities Management for the School District.
Over the last several years the School District has:
* Started new commingled materials (plastic, glass, and aluminum) recycling programs in dozens of schools
* Expanded and enhanced existing paper recycling programs in most schools
* Green cleaning has been incorporated in nearly every school
* Started a “Green Team” comprised of representatives of various departments and schools
* Developed and obtained Board approval on several “green” policies including water and energy conservation and recycling
* Started building commissioning as well as HVAC and building envelop preventative maintenance programs which improve indoor air quality
* Further enhanced our native landscaping standards and integrated pest management program
* Produced three green videos (http://www.palmbeachschools.org/
* Worked with Pine Jog/FAU to develop and implement the award-winning Green Schools Recognition Program which recognizes schools for being “green”
* Revised district design and construction standards to incorporate Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) materials, procedures and best practices
* Supported over 30 team members who have become LEED Accredited Professionals
* Established a Board policy requiring all new buildings to built as LEED Silver as a minimum
* Built the 1st LEED Gold-certified k-12 school in Florida (Pine Jog Elementary)
* Developed a green schools and sustainability website (http://www.palmbeachschools.org/
* Hired a Sustainability Coordinator in 2007
For more information please contact Paul Strauss at 561-684-5139 or pstrauss@palmbeach.k12.fl.us .
