Dallas ISD breaking ground with plans to go green

From using 100 percent compostable plates and trash bags by 2027 and piloting zero-emissions school buses by 2025–to ensuring future new schools and remodels are built in an environmentally sustainable way–Dallas ISD is seriously considering how it can have a greener footprint.

On Feb. 27, 2020, the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees unanimously passed the Environment amp; Climate Resolution. The resolution created an Environmental and Climate Committee, which has been meeting to develop goals and progress measures for how the district can act on climate change.

District leaders and members of the Environmental and Climate Committee updated trustees on their latest recommendations during the April 8 Board of Trustees briefing.

David Bates, assistant superintendent of Maintenance and Facility Services/Construction Services Support, said that, in some cases, environmentally-friendly practices would actually save the district money. For example, the district has switched to 100-percent renewable energy, which saves the district $1.5 million a year.

“Having environmentally friendly practices is sometimes not just the right thing to do, it can also make a lot of financial sense,” Bates said.

The district will now explore the feasibility of the goals identified by the Environmental and Climate Committee. See the proposed goals and supporting ideas here.