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. 

To gain access to Learning Lab or the Green Classroom Professional credential, please fill out the Resource Interest Form.

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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

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

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.