Just in time for Earth Day, Wayside Schools has been named a 2016 Gold-level Austin Green Business Leader, becoming the only charter school district in Austin to be recognized. As a member of this program, which helps create a more livable and sustainable city by facilitating the involvement of local businesses, Wayside Schools can share the importance it places on its own sustainability and learn from others in the program striving to create a greener city.
“The program involves a holistic approach. Having a truly sustainable business means finding ways to reduce your environmental impact and operating in a way that enhances the community, supports local culture and maintains a healthy workplace,” said Marc Coudert, Environmental Program Coordinator with the City of Austin’s Office of Sustainability.
Being a school district that is an Austin Green Business Leader is about more than just being green; it’s about teaching green. By involving its campuses in sustainability projects, Wayside Schools is teaching its students about the impact that their everyday activities have on the environment.
One exemplary initiative that the district has begun implementing is large-scale composting, which means entire schools compost trash. Wayside: Eden Park Academy, an elementary school in the district, kicked off the composting project, which led to it becoming the first charter school in Austin to implement a compost system with cafeteria trash.
“In just the first day, students reduced landfill waste from the cafeteria by 80%, and the teachers and students have fully embraced composting as a way to make a difference in the city,” said Zac Ziebarth, Sustainability Coordinator at Wayside Schools. “Sustainability in schools is twofold: it promotes campus management polices that are cost efficient, and curriculum that inspires the next generation of community thought leaders.”
To be recognized as an Austin Green Business Leader, Wayside Schools filled out a “Green Business Scorecard,” which helps identify its strengths and weaknesses in sustainability and provides resources for improving business operations. While the program itself is voluntary, businesses that excel are formally recognized as Silver, Gold, or Platinum Green Business Leaders.
For more information on the program, visit http://www.austintexas.gov/page/austin-green-business-leaders.
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