Sample Environmental Policy

The following information is reprinted with the permission of the Niagra Catholic District School Board, formerly the Welland County Roman Catholic School Board.

Guidelines and Procedures

Board Level

Purchasing--The purchasing department will attempt to buy recyclable, recycled-content, less toxic and locally produced products whenever possible.

Waste Management--The board shall develop a waste management plan for all aspects of its operation following the principles of reduce, reuse, recycle. Waste management will be considered when planning new board courses or operations.

Resource and Energy Conservation--The board will develop a resource and energy conservation plan for all board sites.

Pest Control--The board shall inform site managers or principals whenever pest control measures are to be taken. Environmentally benign methods of pest control will be used where feasible.

Landscaping--The board shall encourage the development of natural landscaping and wildlife habitats on board property. Grounds-care procedures that reduce the use of chemicals, fertilizers and herbicides will be encouraged.

Food Services

• When food or beverages are served in board buildings or on board property, reusable dishes and containers will be used.
• Cafeterias shall encourage the use of reusable dishes and cutlery and where possible use bulk serving over individual packaging.

Composting--The board will encourage waste-free lunches and composting of food scraps at all board sites.

Transportation--The board will ensure that board-owned vehicles are maintained and operated in a fashion that has the least impact on the environment. Unnecessary idling of school buses or other vehicles on board property will be discouraged.

Indoor Air Quality--Where possible, the board will use non-toxic, hypoallergenic building and maintenance products.

Staff Development--The board shall ensure that all employees are provided with instruction on environmental policy and practice.

Curriculum

• Environmental impact will be considered before the board approves curricula and/or resources.
• The global care of the earth shall be reflected in the curriculum of all subject/discipline areas.
• Environmental education shall take place through teacher and board modeling. Specific environmental education curricula will be encouraged and developed for particular grade levels.
• The board will support environmental experiences that develop an environmental ethic in its students.
• Teachers will be encouraged to heighten their awareness of environmental issues and develop teaching strategies that reflect this awareness.
• The board will make resources that will enhance the teaching of environmental issues available to teachers.

Communication--The Board will reduce its use of paper by using double-sided copying where possible and sending single copies of memos etc. to schools.

School Level 

The community of each school will make a conscious effort to:

1.  Reduce, reuse and recycle waste.

• conserve resources.
• preserve and enhance local environments.
• encourage parent and community involvement in environmental issues through ongoing communication.
• compost food scraps, such as apple cores, fruit peels, etc.
• reduce the amount of paper used.
• consider environmental impact when engaging in fundraising activities.

2. Instill in students the desire to participate individually and collectively in environmental issues through appropriate classroom and school-wide activities at all levels.

3. Encourage teachers, in partnership with consultants, principals and superintendents, to develop multi-disciplinary programs to address environmental concerns.

4.  Encourage teachers to increase their environmental awareness through attendance at conferences, workshops and other professional activities.

5. Construct and carry out a school environmental action plan.  Select one representative from each school to monitor the school's environmental action plan and provide the school community with a report on the successes and failures of the action plan.

Community Level

1. The board, through community involvement, will design an environmental logo for public display at all schools. The logo will serve as a symbol of the board's commitment to the environment.

2. The board will encourage the community to participate in the environmental education of pupils through field trips, guest speakers, parent involvement in schools and the formulation of environmental plans.

3. The board will promote its own and individual school involvement in local, municipal, provincial and international programs that promote good environmental practices (e.g., composting, recycling, community beautification, resource conservation and habitat improvement).

4. The board will promote continuing education programs related to environmental issues as they affect the school, home and business world.

5. The board will inform the community of:

• Board/individual school goals, program achievements and events related to the environment.
• Outside programs such as: Christmas tree pick-up, household hazardous waste day and municipal composting.

District Administration | School Waste Reduction Home

Last updated: April 04, 2008