1. NPPD’s Energy Education Program Helping to grow leaders in stewardship

2. What is GreenSchools? Environmental service-learning program for K-12 th grade students Inspires students to take personal responsibility for improving the environment at their school, at home, and in the community Involves the greening of school buildings, school grounds, and academic curriculum Enables schools to reduce environmental impacts and energy costs Meets academic standards and prepares youth to be tomorrow's leaders with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) civic skills

3. Nebraska GreenSchools Many state organizations are becoming involved NPPD Nebraska Department of Education –Green Ribbon School Award Nebraska Forest Service –Sustainable Schoolyards Partnership (SSP), NET grant Groundwater Foundation- water audits for SSP Nebraska Game and Parks Commission – supports program with teacher workshops and related curriculum Nebraska Alliance for Conservation and Environment Education (NACEE) Many national organizations are involved Environmental Protection Agency American Forest Foundation U.S. Department of Education National Science Foundation Arbor Day Foundation Keep America Beautiful

4. How does it work? GreenSchools consists of 5 student-led investigations. Investigations are designed to be carried out in the school setting They include elements where students can apply what they are learning, as well as new behaviors, in their home environments. After investigations are complete, action plans are developed and implemented. Funding may be available for projects.

5. Student-led Investigations Energy Water School Site Environmental Quality Waste and Recycling

6. Action Projects Examples: Vending machine misers Replace lighting with CFL’s or LED lights Rain gardens Proper tree placement Permeable outside surfaces Composting and recycling programs School gardens Installation of renewable energy systems Provide natural habitat After investigations are completed, students will implement action projects.

7. Benefits of GreenSchools Schools reduce environmental impacts and energy costs Improved health and wellness of students and staff Effective environmental and sustainability education related to energy Incorporates STEM skills and connects to related career pathways Enhanced leadership skills in students

8. More Benefits Reductions in energy use of 5 to 15 percent Implementing sustainable landscape practices has reduced storm water runoff, chemical use, and maintenance of school grounds GS showcase a community’s commitment to its children and their future, who, in turn, learn from an early age the importance and benefits of acting as responsible stewards of their communities and the larger world.

9. How does NPPD support GS? By providing educational resources, teacher professional development, and related classroom programs. Student Toolkits- Students will need diagnostic tools to complete the Energy and Water Investigations NPPD will have these kits available for schools to check out and borrow Kits include watt meters, light meters, CO2 meters, infrared thermometers, and more

10. Program Resources NPPD website- http://nppd.com/energy- education/greenschoolshttp://nppd.com/energy- education/greenschools Connect with other Nebraska GreenSchools and share success stories on http://facebook.com/NPPDEnergyEd http://facebook.com/NPPDEnergyEd Funding may be available from NPPD’s Energy Efficiency Dept. for energy related action projects

11. Questions??? NPPD Energy Education Jennifer Swerczek, 402-336-2701, jlswerc@nppd.com http://nppd.com/energy-education/greenschools