Environmentally Sustainable Practices 3-67

School Board of the City of Virginia Beach
Policy 3-67

BUSINESS AND NONINSTRUCTIONAL OPERATIONS

Environmentally Sustainable Practices

1. Generally

   The School Board recognizes the critical importance of environmental sustainability in today's changing world and is committed to fostering the principles of environmental, economic, and social stewardship by encouraging the incorporation of sustainable practices throughout the School Division.

2. Purpose

   The intent of this Policy is to provide a healthful learning/working environment which contributes to reducing emissions, protecting, conserving, and enhancing the nation's environmental resources while providing long-term savings to taxpayers through lower operating costs.

3. Sustainability Provisions

   The School Board will encourage the following sustainability practices throughout the School Division:

   1. Minimize the amount of School Division waste sent to the landfill through the continuation of a division wide recycling program including but not limited to all school building, administration, and support facilities.
   2. Heighten awareness about the importance of environmental sustainability throughout the School Division through the curriculum and the promotion of environmental programs and sustainability initiatives.
   3. Promote the use of "Green Seal" certified, or equivalent, cleaning products in conjunction with sustainable cleaning practices throughout the School Division.
   4. Reduce division wide emissions through the use of innovative energy management practices such as Performance Contracting and Solar Power Purchase Agreements, while developing programs that monitor and regulate energy consumption.
   5. Purchase Energy Star rated appliances and electronics when possible.
   6. Continue the no-idle policy for school buses while encouraging the purchase of low emission vehicles for all fleet transportation.
   7. Continue the implementation of a Building Maintenance Plan that is committed to addressing indoor environmental quality in a proactive manner.
   8. Specify, as a minimum, 30% recycled content paper in lieu of standard office paper for all purchases.
   9. Incorporate methods to reduce paper consumption and save energy by: electronic filing, two-sided copying, web-based conferencing, and the transfer of data via online portals.
   10. Continue to promote the use of low impact fertilizers and Pest Management Controls.

Adopted by the School Board: February 17, 2009
Amended by School Board: June 8, 2010
Scrivener’s Amendments: September 11, 2014
Amended by School Board: February 8, 2022
Amended by School Board: June 24, 2025