Illinois Green Schools Project
Path to Zero Project Database
Find inspiration on your school's journey to net zero. Explore project ideas, resources, and case studies related to the 2022-23 theme — Path to Zero.
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Energy
Project Ideas: Energy
- Start an education program teaching energy-reduction techniques for lighting and lightbulbs
- Reduce plug load power consumption by installing efficient power strips
- Reduce plug load power consumption through an education campaign
- Bring daylighting practices into your classroom to reduce use of artificial lighting
- Create an Energy Weekend Team to ensure all lights and power strips are turned off and all curtains and windows are closed during weekends and breaks
- Tour your mechanical room with your facilities or maintenance manager
- Research & advocate for the use of onsite or offsite renewable energy in your school
- Explore ways you can generate energy like biking and body power
- Investigate and pitch school-wide energy measures to your maintenance staff, administration, or school board!
- Explore the effects of light pollution and energy conservation measures
- Investigate & find ways to reduce the Heat Island Effect and its impact on your school's energy use
See a student energy audit in Prince William County Virginia.
Project Case Studies: Energy
See example projects from the 2021-22 cohort of the Illinois Green Schools Project, and learn more about how they made it happen.
Waste
Project Ideas: Waste
- Create a Reuse Supply Storage location: store art, crafts, office, and other scrap supplies for all classrooms to share
- Start a recycling bin program for your school
- Create E-Waste Recycling Program: gather supplies from the school or hold a community drive
- Create a school education program around waste reduction
- Implement a waste sorting education program
- Start a composting education program for staff and classrooms
- Pitch low to zero-waste measures to your administration, staff, or even school board!
- Hold a low-waste event for your school, grade, or class
- Start a clothing swap for uniforms or other clothes!
- Build with recycled materials or hold a school-wide building contest
- Create a lunchroom waste reduction program- think about plates, utensils, and the use of disposables
- Start a composting program by putting bins in your lunchroom and creating an outdoor compost pile
- Create a lunchroom waste reduction program- think about individually wrapped food or drinks, such as cartons of milk or condiment packets
- Create a lunchroom share table
- Create a community fridge with leftover and untouched food products
Additional Resources & Organizations
- Mindful Waste
- SCARCE
- Based in DuPage County, focuses on recycling, Reuse Center provides books and school supplies to public school teachers and nonprofit organizations
- Creative Chicago Reuse Exchange
- Provides reusable art and school materials at no to low cost
- The Waste Shed
- Creative Reuse Center that provides reusable art and school materials at low cost
- Zero Waste Video Series — Ecocyle
- Solid Waste Agency of North Cook County Educator Resources
- Solid Waste Agency of Lake County
Project Case Studies: Waste
See example projects from the 2021-22 cohort of the Illinois Green Schools Project, and learn more about how they made it happen.
Water
Project Ideas: Water
- Install a rain barrel to reduce water consumption through avenues of irrigation
- Conserve water by using native plants in your school
- Create a school garden using water efficient irrigation
- Build an outdoor learning space focused on water -think rainwater streams, water pumps, and troughs
- Partner with local organizations to advance your project
- Detect & reduce leaky faucets and pipes
- Install or advocate for high-efficiency water fixtures in your school
- Craft a "Lawn Be Gone" campaign to impact your school and local community
Water Audit Resources
- Water Resources and Water Footprints
- Personal Water Audit Lesson Plan
- School Water Audit Student Worksheet
- How to Perform a Landscape Irrigation Audit Basics
- Water Audit Warm-up: Project WET
Additional Resources
- School Water Audit: Texas Water Development Board
- Water Meter Reading 101
- How to Read a Water Meter
- Water Volume Calculator
- Catch Can Test for Irrigation Uniformity and Rate
- WaterSense for Kids: EPA
- Educational Facilities Water Usage: EPA
- How much water does a leaking faucet waste?
- Making a Splash with Data
- CPS Water Quality Testing
Project Case Studies: Water
See example projects from the 2021-22 cohort of the Illinois Green Schools Project, and learn more about how they made it happen.
