Philly school district’s green initiatives in need of some greenbacks

As the School District of Philadelphia rolled out its sustainability plans in City Hall, one sustainable element was missing — the funding.

The goal, according to  the district’s chief operating officer, is to use existing funds and solicit grants to make Philadelphia public schools greener.

“We started with what can we do today,” said Fran Burns Monday. “We believe we can get recycling in all of our schools.  We know we can continue our energy-savings program that we have started.  We also know we can start some energy pilots within our capital program.”

Teaching students good environmental stewardship is important, said schools Superintendent William Hite.

“To reduce our environmental footprint, to conserve resources, to decrease consumption and waste,” he said, enumerating the aims of the initiative. “And, most importantly, to create a green school setting and healthy indoor environments for students we currently serve — and for those who will come afterwards.”

Starting next year, the district will issue annual reports on sustainability efforts.