1. GROWING GREEN TOGETHER KRPA CONFERENCE PRESENTATION January 2013 Catherine Niedt Blue Valley Recreation

2. 11 degrees

3. WHAT IS MEANT BY SUSTAINABILTY? “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

4. WHAT CAN WE DO?

5. BVRC Strategic Plan: Operational Excellence Mission: Championing a more environmentally responsible BVRC Goals: Develop recreation programs that support: environmental stewardship nature studies green practices Development of a sustainability program that includes: recycling and the use of recycled materials green purchasing practices sustainability design use of alternative fuels and vehicles energy conservation pesticide applications

6. Growing a Green Team How YOU can lead your agency to environmental responsibility. Recruit others who believe in environmental sustainability. Obtain upper management support/endorsement Set goals and chart a plan Determine timelines – delegate duties Track performance against goals

7. Decision Guide - IMPACT Environment (our natural resources) Social (our behavior and lifestyle choices) Economic (our pocket books!) Important questions to ask……. Will it have a positive impact on our environment? Does it add value to our patrons and stakeholders? Is there a cost savings or cost neutral?

8. Some of our CONSIDERATIONS Energy audits Purchasing Energy reduction Recycling Public education Educate staff – change internal culture Stay informed about Best Practice research

9. BUY- IN is essential to success! EDUCATE Yourself Team Top Management Staff

10. KICK-OFF TIME BUILD MOMENTUM Start small, get fast results! Recycling Energy reduction

11. RECYCLING - Our first task Internal – Office workrooms

12. More internal solutions Pepsi is one of our partners and they provided containers for our Activity Center lobby.

13. Make it easy to recycle and reduce. Provide a list with acceptable recycling materials. Encourage double sided printing. Save files/emails in digital folders rather than print out hard copies.

14. Outdoor Recycling Recycling barrels placed next to every Sports Complex trash can. Recycling dumpsters for paper AND cardboard at all facilities.

15. ENERGY REDUCTION Our second task EDUCATING STAFF Conserving energy helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels and thereby reduces carbon emissions and overall saves money. CREATE A SURVEY WHAT’S YOUR ENERGY IQ? Did you know……...October is National Energy Awareness Month Created in 1991 by the U.S. Department of Energy. The program promotes energy awareness and energy savings. Corporations, institutions and governmental agencies encouraged to participate by presenting their own internal programs. www.energystar.gov www.energysavers.gov

16. WHAT WE DID! Started an Awareness Campaign Week 1: Bright Ideas! Efficient Light Use at work and home Week 2: Techno Turn-offs Week 3: Creature Comforts Week 4: Vampires are around – not just at Halloween!

17. STAFF OUTCOMES DESIRED Develop the habit of turning off lights and computer monitors when out of the office for more than 20 minutes. Implement a daily shut-down schedule for all copy machines and printers when offices are closed. Reduce use of fans and space heaters. Dress in seasonally appropriate attire. Look for energy saving practices to incorporate in their specific facility to save energy. Discuss and implement temperature control settings so both comfort and energy savings can be achieved. Increase awareness about the importance of energy conservation in general.

18. ENERGY CAMPAIGN for the public Posted weekly energy saving tips on our website Bring Your Green to Work posters Turn off lights reminder Publicized public seminar Displayed national campaign image in our lobby

21. GREEN COMMUNITY PROGRAMS NATIONAL TRAILS DAY Saturday, JUNE 2ND 10:00-11:30am Meet at the Blue Valley Rec Sports Complex, east field parking lot, 137th and Antioch. FREE EVENT, PRE- REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED Registration code: 154067- 01 913.685.6000 www.bluevalleyr ec.org “Enriching Lives, Strengthening a Spirit of Community”  Set your own pace on this family-friendly 30-minute walk. Discover the natural beauty of the paved trail winding between Antioch and Switzer on the south side of the Blue Valley Rec sports complex.  Kid’s nature craft and a trail friendly scavenger hunt provided.  Enjoy the health benefits of walking in nature.  Receive a MetroGreen Bikeway and Trails map.  Visit the Backwoods display for a chance to win prizes. This American Hiking Society’s annual nationwide event helps build public awareness about the many benefits of community trails. Be a part of America’s Largest Trail-gaiting Party! National Trails Day America’s Largest Trail-gaiting Party Come hike, or bring a bike! This American Hiking Society’s annual nationwide event helps build public awareness about the many benefits of trails in our communities. Discover the natural beauty of the trail winding between Antioch and Switzer on the south side of the Blue Valley Rec sports complex. This family friendly 30 minute walk culminates with a kid’s nature craft using items found along the trail. Set your own pace. Discover the health benefits of hiking, plus receive a MetroGreen Bikeway and Trails map. After the hike, stop by the nearby BVRC Farmer’s Market for some local fresh produce and learn about healthy trail snacks. Meet at the east field parking lot, 137 th and Antioch. 154067-01 SAT 10-11:30am 6/2 RC Free YOUTH CLASSES Recycled Art Workshop Recycle & Green Sculptures ADULT CLASSES Composting – Can You Dig It? Make Your Own Rain Barrel

22. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead LET’S GROW GREEN TOGETHER