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Sustainability Management System

Thompson School District is embarking on the development of its first ever Sustainability Management Plan (SMP). With involvement from leadership, staff, teachers, students, parents and the community, the SMP will lay out a roadmap for uniting its many ongoing sustainability initiatives and integrating energy, resource efficiency and other sustainability practices into District operations.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The SMP development process will include compiling information on the District's current energy and resource use and sustainability practices, setting a vision and goals for progress and developing specific strategies for action. The SMP will also provide guidance on how to track progress over time and report the District's progress both internally and externally to the community. Representative topics the SMP can help address include:

  • Energy and water use and efficiency in District buildings, schools and operations
  • Solid waste and recycling
  • Fuel consumption by the District's buses and other vehicles
  • Integrating sustainability into purchasing decisions
  • Considering sustainability in operations such as cleaning and food services
  • The design and renovation of buildings and schools
  • Indoor air quality
  • Education and engagement of students and staff in sustainability

The development of the SMP will take place at the department/administrative level in collaboration with the District's Green Team and integrally involve teachers and students in the entire process.

PROJECT TIMELINE

The SMP will be developed over the course of the academic year:

  • Fall 2011 – Collect baseline data to develop greenhouse gas inventory, assess building energy, water and waste opportunities and benchmark District against peer institutions
  • Fall 2011 through Winter 2012 – Collect stakeholder input including a District-wide survey and stakeholder meetings
  • Winter 2012 – Develop a District sustainability vision and goals and draft department, school and student sustainability strategies
  • Spring/Summer 2012 – Draft and Final SMP document

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Visit the District's web site at Thompson.k12.co.us for more information and regular updates on the progress of the SMP as well as announcements on opportunities to provide your input.