King County Green Schools Program

Situation
After the successful completion of a pilot program to test the King County Green Schools Program in area schools, King County expanded its effort to engage administrators, custodians, and teachers in implementing conservation strategies at schools. Triangle Associates was asked to join the team as part of this expansion to provide additional capacity and expertise. Triangle brings its depth of experience in waste reduction and recycling education to help schools make lasting environmental changes.

Process
Triangle staff works with the facilities and operations side of resource conservation in schools through the King County Green Schools program. Working as part of a consultant team, Triangle offers technical assistance to schools that commit to reaching measurable goals in environmental categories. Categories include waste reduction and recycling, hazardous waste management, reduction of greenhouse gases, litter reduction, environmental education, energy conservation, water conservation, and environmental purchasing. Services provided include school waste audits, recommendations and support for improvements, and follow-up to ensure goals are met.

Results
Implemented changes save school districts money while protecting the environment. Triangle has offered in-depth assistance to sixteen schools around King County since 2005. For example, during the 2006-2007 school year an elementary school in Redmond increased its recycling rate from 33% to 43%. To achieve this, Triangle helped the school start a new lunchroom recycling program and educate the faculty and student body about recycling improvements. During the lunchroom kick-off event, stacking trays and recycling milk cartons resulted in a decrease 16 to four bags of trash! Evaluations and feedback show consistent client and school satisfaction with Triangle’s depth of knowledge, enthusiasm and ability to help schools make lasting changes.