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Sustainability in the PCSD

Celebrate and Expand

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Thank you so much for all you have done so far!

Replacing old lighting fixtures with new, energy efficient LED lighting. Installing hand dryers in bathrooms to reduce waste.

Using sphagnum moss in HVAC hydronic lines for an environmentally friendly alternative.

Initiating a successful composting program in elementary schools, as well as continuing to review capital projects.

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Why are we here tonight?

We are the Penfield High School Environmental Club

“We are the Penfield High School environmental club, a group of students at PHS working to improve environmental education and increase Penfield’s sustainability. We have been communicating with Dr.Putnam and other administrators for over a year now as we developed our idea to make Penfield a more environmentally friendly and efficient district. We are here tonight because we believe that Penfield has the potential to drastically improve the quality of life for students and staff by creating a sustainability committee.”

Now, we also would like you, the school board, to reflect on why you are here tonight. Maybe it’s because you want to advocate for students and staff in the district. Maybe you’re a parent trying to make sure your kids have the best possible school experience. Maybe you’re a former teacher, a former student. Regardless, every single one of you has something motivating you to come to this meeting. Well, we have a motivation, too. We are here today because we believe that the Penfield Central School District can truly make a difference in the fight against climate change. As students, we are constantly worried about the impending climate crisis and how it could impact our future. We spend over a decade of our lives attending Penfield schools preparing us for the future, but with rising sea levels, increased CO2 emissions, and air pollution, that future is becoming more and more uncertain. This is where Penfield can help. With a huge district like ours, we have the potential to make a massive difference in the fight against climate change. And it all starts with you, the school board. We believe that Penfield can tackle this crisis by creating a Sustainability Committee.”

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What is a sustainability committee? What would it look like?

Advocacy

Implementation

A group of board members, community members, and students dedicated to advocating for sustainable and carbon- reducing changes in common practices and infrastructure.

Focused on the creation and implementation of a comprehensive sustainability plan for the PCSD.

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What is a sustainability plan?

A sustainability plan is a detailed and comprehensive plan that would create guidelines for how our district can approach the impending climate crisis. It is a document holding our district accountable for executing necessary steps to become more sustainable.

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What does this plan look like?

Commitment

Expansion

Goal Setting

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What are some ideas for this plan?

CAFETERIA IMPROVEMENTS

SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE

GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

When it comes time to replace old infrastructure and appliances (windows, toilets, hand dryers, EV busses), PCSD should commit to sustainable purchases.

Concrete steps can be implemented to encourage carpooling, research electric bussing, and more.

Incorporate sustainability lessons and instruction on environmentally friendly habits and practices for students. Host a district wide “Green Week” to raise awareness.

PCSD can dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions by changing cafeteria practices (meatless mondays, reduced meat lunches, and more).

Now, some of you may be asking, what are some ideas for this plan? While we are still students and not experts by any means, we believe that there are some key areas of opportunity. Sustainable infrastructure, greenhouse gas reduction, cafeteria improvements, and environmental education could all be core focusses for the plan. The creation of the Sustainability Committee is crucial in developing a sustainability plan that is effective and works with the district. We care deeply about the environment and have meaningful ideas that could very well be implemented, but we are still highschool students. We want this plan to be used by the district for the next few decades, so we will need input from all types of Penfield community members in order for it to actually make an impact. We need board members that have in depth knowledge of our building’s infrastructure, connections with cafeteria staff, former or current teachers that understand the challenges of environmental curriculums, and members that understand the financial side of greenhouse gas reduction.

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What is the timeline?

This Meeting

The Creation of a Sustainability Committee

Proposal for a Comprehensive Sustainability Plan

Approval of Sustainability Plan

Implementation

Continuous communication between the sustainability committee, school board, and the Environmental Club will be crucial.

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Creating a Sustainability Committee costs $0.

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Why is this so important?

We are setting a precedent, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

“Climate change poses serious health risks to citizens in NYS. The Penfield Central School District has the potential to be a leader among neighboring districts in fighting this crisis. Brighton Central School District has already created a similar committee, focusing on creating a climate action plan. While one might think that one district can’t do anything to prevent this crisis, we beg to differ. Small changes at the district level will be monumental. Not only do they set a precedent to neighboring districts and organizations, but they will significantly reduce carbon emissions, making Penfield a safer community for all. Changes in the cafeteria will also inspire kids to adopt more climate conscious eating habits as adults. And more sustainable infrastructure will save the district money, and make the air cleaner for Penfield residents.”

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THIS CANNOT WAIT UNTIL NEXT YEAR.

“Yes, we know that the school board is swamped with meetings and discussions and budget planning. But the creation of this sustainability committee cannot wait until next year. This issue needs to be handled immediately because the crisis will only get worse from here. The sooner we change our practices and adjust to cope with this crisis, the sooner we can show students and staff that their health and wellbeing is a priority. You are on the school board for a reason. To advocate for the real people in this district. Students, staff, and parents, all deserve to know that their district cares about them. This sustainability committee has overwhelming support from the study body. We created a sustainability support document that received ____ signatures and counting from students and staff advocating for this committee. By pushing this discussion to next year, it would send a message that student’s futures are not important. It would send a message that Penfield cannot be a leader in NYS, and it would send the message that this crisis isn’t serious. We all know that this school board cares. So show that to our citizens. Show that to Penfield. Show students that they are the top priority. Show students that their futures matter. Create this committee immediately. Thank you.”