Green Initiatives for a Better Community
Charlottesville City Schools and City of Charlottesville Public Works department work together to reduce the environmental footprint of our school buildings and operations.
- Seven of nine Charlottesville City schools are now certified as ENERGY STARS® by the US Department of Environmental Protection.
- All schools have single-stream recycling systems in place. Students and teachers recycle paper, plastic, aluminum, tin, glass and cardboard in bins placed throughout school buildings.
- Charlottesville City Schools received the top award for its category in the 2011 Green Schools Challenge, an initiative of the Virginia Municipal League in partnership with the Virginia School Boards Association that encourages implementation of environmental policies and practices that reduce carbon emissions generated by the local school division and the broader community. The school division was a 2nd place winner in the 2009 Green Schools Challenge.
- School cafeterias have reduced solid waste by eliminating polystyrene foam food containers from daily use. Local produce is served along with daily fruit and vegetable choices.
- All schools have adopted integrated pest management programs. Low toxicity controls are used for insects and other pests whenever possible.
- Charlottesville High School and Bufrod Middle School have rainwater catchment systems that capture rainwater from roofs to use for the high school athletic field and the City Schoolyard Garden at Buford.
National and Local Environmental Partners
City of Charlottesville - Citywide efforts support our schools and community in being greener and healthier.
City Schoolyard Garden at Buford - The City Schoolyard Garden cultivates academic achievement, health, environmental stewardship, and community engagement through garden-based, afterschool and classroom learning.
The Center for Watershed Protection - A non-profit organization that provides practical and technical information for people and communities interested in protecting and restoring urban watersheds.
Local Motion -- A community campaign to inspire residents of all ages, backgrounds and fitness levels to be physically active in Charlottesville and Albemarle, Virginia.
Safe Routes to School -- A national program that assists communities in enabling and encouraging children to safely walk and bike to school.
Virginia Green Schools Challenge -- A program sponsored by the Virginia School Boards Association that awards points for environmental initiatives. CCS