GREEN RIBBON AND LEED CERTIFICATION NAOMI HERSHISER, DEAN OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS, PRAIRIE CROSSING CHARTER SCHOOL APRIL 18, 2014 The Prairie Crossing Story:

3 Pillars of Green Schools Pillar I: Reducing environmental impact and costs, including waste, water, energy use and alternative transportation Pillar II: Improving the health and wellness of students and staff, covering environmental health, nutrition and fitness Pillar III: Providing effective sustainability education and robust environmental education that engages STEM, civic skills and green career pathways

Prairie Crossing Charter School Kindergarten through 8 th grade 390 students Grayslake, IL Public charter school 1 st LEED certified school building in IL

Mission and Values Prairie Crossing Charter School is a public school that transforms our children through academic discovery and interaction with our unique natural, ecological, and community resources. We value… Environmental Stewardship Ecological Understandings Academic Rigor and Innovation Partnerships with Parents Personal Responsibility

PCCS Campus Tour

Alternative Energy Geothermal HVAC Wind Turbine Solar Panel

Wind Turbine Turbine Data

Solar Panel Solar Panel Data

1 Minute Think Tank How can these alternative energy sources be an integral part of student education, increasing environmental literacy and STEM knowledge?

Energy Efficiency Daylighting Lighting Motion Sensors

Daylighting Natural light permeates our classrooms and hallways. This reduces the need for electricity usage and natural light enhances student achievement and creativity.

Lighting Compact fluorescent fixtures Option for all on or half on Motion Sensors in case we forget to turn off the lights when we leave!

Water Efficiency Dual flush toilets Low-flow, sensor-controlled fixtures Water bottle fillers Cisterns and Rain Barrels Porous Pavement Bioswales and rain gardens

Bathroom Water Dual Flush Toilets Sensor-controlled, low-flow faucet fixtures

Water Bottle Fillers 1 Minute Think Tank: How could the issue of disposable water bottles lead to good curriculum connections?

Runoff Catchment Student SLP

Porous Pavement Student CP Design an Experiment!

Bioswales and Rain Gardens

Responsible Materials Use Recycled newspaper ceiling tiles Bamboo classroom floors Cork alcove floors Stained concrete subflooring floors in hallways/bathrooms – minimal ceiling materials Recycled gypsum wallboard Unfired, recycled glass wall tiles Local Sourcing of building materials Recycle bins and compost bins Green cleaning products No-VOC paints and products Recycled glass sidewalks

Landscaping and Grounds Outdoor learning areas  Raised garden beds  Classroom discretionary gardens  Phenology Signs Native plantings Bioswales/storm water management Transportation  Bike racks  Parking signs  Carpooling System

Our Sustainable Schoolyard

Bountiful Harvest

Classroom Gardens

Native Plantings

Transportation

Sustainability

1 Minute Think Tank How is our campus sustainable? How can we use it to teach students about sustainability?

NAOMI HERSHISER DEAN OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS, PRAIRIE CROSSING CHARTER SCHOOL Thank you!