PGCPS Climate Change Action Plan Committee Year-End Report, July 2023

Task Force Committee Members

Board of Education Members

• Judy Mickens-Murray, Chair
• Lolita E. Walker, District 9, Vice Chair
• David Murray, District 1
• Jonathan Briggs, District 2
• Pamela Boozer-Strother, District 3
• Shayla Adams-Stafford, District 4
• Zipporah Miller, Ed.D., District 5
• Branndon D. Jackson, District 6
• Kenneth F. Harris II, Eng.D., District 7
• Madeline LaSalle Frazier, LCSW, Ed.S., District 8
• Walter E. Fields, M.P.A., M.A., Appointed
• Juanita D. Miller, Ed.D., Appointed
• Curtis Valentine, M.P.P., Appointed
• Alvaro Ceron-Ruiz, Student Board Member
• Monica E. Goldson, Ed.D., Secretary/Treasurer and Chief Executive Officer

Climate Change Action Plan Operational Committee Members

• Jamee Alston, Management Analyst, Division of Supporting Services, Department of Building Services
• Kristi Baldwin, Chief of Human Resources
• Donald Belle, Environmental Outreach Educator, Department of Environmental Education, William S. Schmidt Center
• Jean-Paul Cadet, Director, Career and Technical Education
• Jeffery Carpenter, Director, Employee and Labor Relations
• Charoscar Coleman, Associate Superintendent, Supporting Services
• Sylvester Conyers, Instructional Supervisor, William S. Schmidt Center
• Vincent Curl, Safety Office Manager
• Garth Deitzer, Maintenance Planner, Department of Building Services
• Mychael Dickerson, Chief of Staff
• Mark Dreszer, Supervisor of Garage Operations, Transportation/Central Garage Department
• Mark Fossett, Chief Operating Officer
• Monica Goldson, Chief Executive Officer
• Sara Gillespie, Recycling Technician, Department of Building Services, Plant Operations
• Michael Herbstman, Chief Financial Officer (former)
• David Hill, Transportation Operations Supervisor, Transportation Department
• Raven Hill, Associate Superintendent, Office of Communications and Community Engagement
• Dawn Holton, Senior Mechanical Engineer, Department of Capital Programs
• Sheila Jackson, Director, Family and School Partnerships
• Benjamin Levinger, Data Management Accountability and Strategy Lead, Office of Monitoring and Accountability
• Shawn Matlock, Director, Department of Capital Programs
• Lynn McCawley, Senior Public Information Specialist, Office of Communications
• George McClure, Supervisor of Athletics
• John McDaniels, Program Coordinator, Department of Career and Technical Education / JROTC, Public Safety and Homeland Security 
• Max Pugh, Web Services Supervisor, Office of Communications
• David Rease, Director, Office of Equity and Excellence
• Rudolph Saunders, Director of Transportation
• Mastan Shaik, Data Warehouse Supervisor, Division of Information Technology
• Joan Shorter, Director, Food and Nutrition Services
• Ronald Skyles, Architectural Project Manager, Department of Capital Programs
• William Smith, Project Management Supervisor, Department of Capital Programs
• Sam Stefanelli, Director, Building Services
• Keith Stewart, Director, Department of Purchasing and Supply
• Jason Walker, Energy Management/Building Automation Technician, Department of Building Services
• Jason Washington, Director, Office of Alternative Infrastructure Planning and Development
• Amber Wilson, Executive Assistant, Office of the Chief Executive Officer
• Melissa Wilson, Supervisor, School Leadership Programs, Office of Professional Learning and Leadership
• Andrew Zuckerman, Chief of Information Technology

Table of Contents

1. Summary
2. Introduction
3. Action Plan Priorities
   
   1. Priority 1: Support Environmental Justice Through Climate Curriculum, Training and Partnerships
   2. Priority 2: Reduce Carbon Footprint from PGCPS Buildings
   3. Priority 3: Commit to Renewable Energy Sources for a Net Zero Emissions Future
   4. Priority 4: Commit to Low Carbon School Transportation
   5. Priority 5: Reduce Food Waste and Grow Climate-Friendly Food
   6. Priority 6: Commit to Sustainable Materials Management and Procurement
   7. Priority 7: Commit to Climate Resilient Land Management
   8. Priority 8: Lead by Example to Support Transformational Change

Summary

Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) has placed a priority on working to meet UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emission reduction targets by 2030 or 2040, depending on the target. On March 1, 2021, the Prince George’s County Board of Education established the Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) Focus Work Group to develop a plan for creating and meeting climate action goals.

PGCPS has developed 58 Climate Change Action Plan items. In an effort to successfully implement these measures,  the Chief Executive Officer created a Climate Change Action Plan Operational Committee, composed of 38 PGCPS staff members who meet monthly to review each action item, share progress for each priority and discuss plans to continue moving the work forward as we meet all timeline requirements. 

A biannual report will be published in January and July to keep all stakeholders informed of our progress and ways they can support our continued work to reduce our carbon footprint.

Introduction

This report focuses on how a changing climate is affecting K‑12 education and actions needed to move toward a carbon neutral future. PGCPS believes taking urgent action to combat climate change is critical to the future of our students and our community. The CCAP empowers our students, staff and administration to work as partners with our county and state to bring about transformational changes and help create a future where we all share the benefits of healthy air, clean water, job opportunities and safe places to live, work and play.

Taking action is the heart of the CCAP and our district. Below, we discuss specific impacts that climate change will have on education and our community along with proposed actions that are designed to help combat these changes. These actions are intended as only the beginning to our school system’s transition to a low carbon and climate resilient future. PGCPS will continue to study and make changes to our plan as needed due to changing conditions and priorities.

Recommendation #1: Support Environmental Justice Through Climate Curriculum, Training and Partnerships

PGCPS has worked to incorporate environmental issues into the curriculum while expanding opportunities for student-driven engagement outside of the classroom, including forums and priority group meetings. Social media, video and newsletters were leveraged to highlight student efforts across the school system through the #PGCPSGreen campaign.

Operational Action 1: Create Climate Curriculum and Environmental Justice Work Group (CCEJWG)

Update as of July 2023

• Coordinating with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to conduct Summer Professional Learning Experience for educators (July 24-28). The course will cover how schools can lead efforts to save the bay and address climate change. Attendees will have an opportunity to participate in the Climate Curriculum and Environmental Justice Work Group. 
• Featured EcoArt Contest winners in the PGCPS Regional Student Art Shows.
• Highlighted SEAS in PGCPS NewsBreak episode, Keeping an Eye on the Environment.

Operational Action 2: Launch Annual Climate Ready Leadership Summit

Update as of July 2023

• More than 300 youth attended the Student Environmental Alliance Summit (SEAS, April 12 and April 18).
• Submitted budget proposal for 2024 SEAS and Leadership Summit.

Operational Action 3: Enhance Access to Climate Technology

Update as of July 2023

• Continued work with EnergyCAP to collect and disseminate data on building energy performance; student teams will have access to information to assist with school-based climate action decisions.  
• Plans underway to install solar dashboards at Greenbelt Middle School and Oxon Hill High School. The solar dashboards and energy performance dashboards at Glenarden Woods Elementary and Fairmont Heights High School will be available for student Green Team use in fall 2023.
• Environmental, Agricultural, and Natural Resources CTE program at Fairmont Heights High School will provide opportunities to engage with school climate data.

Operational Action 4: Enhance CTE Program to Further Incorporate “Green” Skills and Job Readiness

Update as of July 2023

• Proposed program expansions: Implement Environmental, Agricultural, and Natural Resources CTE program at International High School at Largo and Bowie, Northwestern and Potomac high schools.
• Recommend acquiring up to three electric vehicles for CTE Department to help reduce carbon footprint when delivering resources to teachers.

Operational Action 5: Build New Climate Partnerships with Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations (ENGOs) and Businesses

Update as of July 2023

• Consulting with school administrators on specific needs.
• Planning special outreach campaigns to businesses and nonprofits focused around commemorative days.

Operational Action 6: Incorporate Climate and Environmental Justice Curriculum into Learning Standards and Benchmarks

Update as of July 2023

• Finalizing plans for curriculum audit and gap analysis. 
• Working with the Schmidt Center to identify climate change educational resources for school districts and states.

Priority Recommendation #2: Reduce Carbon Footprint from PGCPS Buildings

In an effort to reduce its carbon footprint, PGCPS now requires all private partners responding to the next Blueprint Schools (ACF/P3) request for proposals to participate in rebates and related programs. Through a Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) Decarbonization Grant, the school system can benchmark and track energy use in all schools and facilities. Future plans include applying for EmPower Maryland Rebate Incentives for lighting, HVAC and kitchen equipment in all new Blueprint Schools.

Operational Action 1: Require Private Partners to Participate in All Rebates and Other Appropriate Programs

Update as of July 2023

• Finalized the rebate clause for insertion in construction and building services, including alternative construction financing, request for proposals (RFP). 
• Submitted EmPower Maryland Rebate Incentive applications for all qualifying equipment (HVAC, boilers, kitchen supplies and lighting) in six new Blueprint Schools.

Operational Action 2: Collect and Disseminate Data on Building Energy Performance

Update as of July 2023

• Received Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) Decarbonizing Public Schools Program (Pilot) Grant.
• Contracted with EnergyCAP/Bith Group to fulfill MEA grant requirements related to energy data.
• Providing regular updates to MEA.

Operational Action 3: Build Staff Capacity in Building Maintenance and Management

Update as of July 2023

Finalizing the job description and reporting structure for a new position with the goal of selecting the candidate prior to August 1, 2023

Operational Action 4: Consolidate PGCPS Administration/Central Office Staff

Update as of July 2023

• “Swing” office space will be available June 2023 for a few offices that will be displaced this summer due to construction. Software will be purchased for staff to utilize to sign up for use of the space when they are not teleworking.  IT will set up 25 workstations with standardized hardware for staff to use.  We will review and make adjustments during the summer before providing this offering to other offices. Our goal for creating the swing office space is to eventually reduce the number of central office sites in use that require major renovation towards decreasing our carbon footprint.
• One department participated in the Telework Pilot for the 2022-2023 school year. The year-end summary report reveals that the employees believe they have increased team camaraderie and improved task focus, punctuality and availability. Areas that require improvement: making sure that staff members are “okay” and tracking “soft” tasks, such as learning new software.

Mitigation Action 1: Perform Comprehensive Energy Audit All Existing Buildings and Rely on Data for EFMP Cycles

Update as of July 2023

• Consulted with Energy Systems Group (ESG) on best practices for completing a comprehensive audit of all existing PGCPS buildings. ESG highly recommended that PGCPS approach a comprehensive audit in small segments rather than one large project.
• EssexCo presented a proposal to audit three PGCPS facilities.

Mitigation Action 2: Move Toward Fossil-Fuel Free/Net Zero Ready for All New Construction

Update as of July 2023

• Researched and reviewed alternatives, including solar panel installation, blue roofs, enhanced building envelope and evaluation for use of geothermal HVAC systems. 
• The Department of Capital Programs met with Surya Standard on March 22, 2023 to get an overview of a school built in India that utilizes microgrids with solar panels and back up battery systems.
• Utilized professional development opportunities on building design, construction that utilizes microgrids with solar panels and backup battery systems, and the Maryland Climate Solutions Act (establishing a net-zero statewide greenhouse gas emissions goal by 2045).

Mitigation Action 3: Research and Potentially Implement Wastewater Thermal Energy Technologies

Update as of July 2023

Researching the feasibility of wastewater thermal energy in new construction buildings, particularly larger buildings, such as the new High Point High School and/or new Northern Area High School (Adelphi).

Mitigation Action 4: Phase Out Fossil Fuel Powered Steam and Water Heating Systems

Update as of July 2023

• Ongoing elimination of steam heating systems in the course of replacing systems in existing buildings. 
• Researching new facility design to reduce the heating/cooling load requirements, such as utilizing Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) for exterior building walls, which lowers HVAC load requirements by at least 30%. Lowering the load requirements proportionally affects the amount of electrical demand and sizing of the power supply.

Mitigation Action 5: Phase Out R-22 HVAC

Update as of July 2023

• Specifying low GWP refrigerants for new equipment due to the impending 2025 phaseout of R134A and R410A also.
• Replacement chiller for Benjamin Foulois has been ordered and will utilize a lower GWP refrigerant R513A.  R513A has an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) rating of 0. 
• Most scopes of work currently being written and new equipment being ordered will specify the use of lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) rated refrigerants.

Adaptation Action 1: Design All New PGCPS Buildings to be Resiliency Hubs

Update as of July 2023

• Expediting renovations at the new Mullikin Bus Lot project, which will provide renewable power sources for charging up to 90 electric school buses. 
• Researching the feasibility of fast-charging sites at select school locations while buses are waiting for students between routes. Although buses do not wait for an extended period of time between routes at many locations, there are a number of locations with longer wait times. Providing rapid charging for a shorter period of time might enable the vehicles to travel for  longer periods of time between overnight charges. 
• Designing new school projects to be solar-ready at a minimum. Future projects are being evaluated during the design phase to assess potential locations for solar panels, blue roofs, etc. Additional communication is currently underway with the Maryland Department of Energy to coordinate grant applications for the installation of panels at these locations.

Priority Recommendation #3: Commit to Renewable Energy Sources for a Net Zero Emissions Future

To lay the groundwork for a net-zero emissions future, PGCPS began to explore strategies by partnering with other K-12 districts, researching energy wholesale markets, touring NetZero schools and taking part in webinars and training. Three new schools currently under construction will include rooftop solar panels. In addition, a battery-operated landscaping equipment pilot was started.

Operational Action 1: Begin Renewable Energy Purchasing Through Wholesale Markets

Update as of July 2023

• Researched energy purchasing and wholesale markets in preparation for procurement when the current PGCPS energy contract expires.

Operational Action 2: Create a Publicly Available Dashboard

Update as of July 2023

• Created draft dashboard in April 2023 that both displays data and educates the viewer on different types of climate change mitigation projects at our facilities.
• Public version of the dashboard will be ready in August 2023 for review on the PGCPS website.
• Feedback will be collected in September 2023. Adjustments based on the feedback will be made in fall 2023.

Mitigation Action 1: Install Solar Panels on PGCPS Property

Update as of July 2023

• New Blueprint Schools will be delivered “solar ready” in late summer and fall 2023.  
• Engaged in solar discussions with local companies and reviewed proposals. Roof assessments conducted at 14 schools.
• Discussions underway for rooftop solar requirements for new Suitland High School building.

Mitigation Action 2: Sign onto Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) for Off-Site Renewable Energy

Update as of July 2023

• Explored opportunities to expand current Power Purchase Agreements with Constellation/Luminance and Maryland Clean Energy Center as well as during the inaugural Clean Energy Schools Symposium (March 26-28, 2023).

Adaptation Action 1: Explore Approaches to Integrate Battery Backup Power

Update as of July 2023

• The Division of Supporting Services is currently working on completing a consulting agreement to install bus charging stations at the Mullikin Bus Lot. This work will be contracted in conjunction with the current project already in progress to provide a new office facility and grounds at this location.
• The Department of Capital Programs met with Surya Standard on March 22, 2023 to get an overview of a school built in India that utilizes microgrids with solar panels and back up battery systems.

Priority Recommendation #4: Commit to Low Carbon School Transportation

To learn more about the transition to electric school buses, PGCPS participated in the inaugural Clean Energy Schools Symposium and the Electric School Bus reception. Current renovations at the Mullikin Bus Lot include power sources for charging up to 90 electric school buses that will be used in a pilot fleet of 20 electric buses next school year. PGCPS is modifying bus routes to optimize fuel use and exploring alternative energy sources for adding micro-grid charging infrastructure, including solar, wind, battery storage and generators powered by renewable energy sources.

Operational Action 1: Modify Bus Route to Fuel Use

Update as of July 2023

• Utilized scheduling and routing software (Transfinder, Routefinder Plus) to improve overall operational efficiency by reducing unnecessary mileage. 
• Continuing to analyze and modify school bus routes to reduce fuel usage monthly.

Mitigation Action 1: Electrify All Buses by 2040

Update as of July 2023

• Introducing pilot program at the Mullikin Bus Lot consisting of new electric school buses with the required facility improvements and electric vehicle charging infrastructure during the 2023-2024 school year.
• As the district explores electrifying school transportation and plans for its future new fleet of electric school buses and electrified transportation facilities and electric vehicle charging infrastructure projects, it has an opportunity to incorporate electric micro-grids featuring solar, wind, battery storage and generators powered by CNG or propane as renewable energy sources.
• As the district continues planning its equitable transition to electric school buses, net zero decarbonized buildings and facilities, it has an opportunity to improve or expand upon its future schools and offices, transportation facilities and core transportation services.  Electric school bus adaptation allows the district a unique opportunity to improve children’s health and educational outcomes, improve driver health and satisfaction, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and create green jobs and workforce development opportunities.

Mitigation Action 2: Increase Walking/Biking/Public Transit Use

Update as of July 2023

• Ongoing work with the County Bicycle-Pedestrian Safety Committee in support of Vision Zero for pedestrian safety. Recommendations will continue to emphasize the need for sidewalks to/from bus stops.
• Working directly with WMATA on the High Point High School Rideshare Program.

Mitigation Action 3: Eliminate Unnecessary Idling from School Buses

Update as of July 2023

• Continuing to enforce, educate and train the management team and bus drivers on idling and fuel conservation policies and procedures.
• Training will be included in annual in-service training and monthly safety meetings and documented with eDoctrina.

Mitigation Action 4: Increase the Safety and Other Amenities Available on School Buses

Update as of July 2023

• Working directly with vendors (Bus Patrol, Transfinder and Zonar) to provide the most updated student safety equipment, including internal and external cameras, tablets and GPS.
• New electric school buses will be equipped with seatbelts.

Mitigation Action 5: Electrify All Light-Duty Vehicles and Other Equipment by 2040

Update as of July 2023

• Researching and exploring EV vehicle manufacturers and the various types of EV vehicles to be considered for use throughout the school system.
• Continuing discussions with electric utility providers for planning support facility EV charging system infrastructure projects. 
• Continuing discussions with various EV charging hardware manufacturers and providers regarding microgrid feasibility to include vehicle to grid/to building, battery storage; wind and solar options.

Priority Recommendation #5: Reduce Food Waste and Grow Climate-Friendly Food

PGCPS is leading the way in composting food waste in schools through a pilot program with the Prince George’s County Department of the Environment. Additional schools were added to the program this year, with 17 total schools providing compost to the county’s organics composting facility. Waste audits helped quantify and categorize school meal waste, and compostable paper products and utensils were identified for use during the upcoming school year. A new administrative procedure was introduced to reduce food waste through the use of Share Tables, Offer vs. Serve and food donations to local food pantries, and the Department of Food and Nutrition Services will expand efforts to offer locally grown and school grown produce.

Operational Action 1: Incorporate Student, Parent, Staff and Community Stakeholder Input into PGCPS Menus

Update as of July 2023

• Incorporated student survey results and recommendations in developing 2023-24 school menus.
• Working to expand offerings of vegan plant-based entrees.

Operational Action 2: Conduct Baseline Assessments for Food Waste and Values-Driven Purchasing

Update as of July 2023

• Conducted School Waste Audits at elementary, middle and high schools to quantify and categorize school meal waste. At each school, the majority of the waste by weight was compostable materials (food scraps and compostable paper trays). Food scraps accounted for the majority of the waste by weight from school kitchens.

Mitigation Action 1: Implement Values-Driven, Climate-Friendly Food Service

Update as of July 2023

• Implemented comprehensive approach to source and include products, sauces and seasonings made from pea protein, soy, legumes and other vegetables.

Mitigation Action 2: Reduce Food Waste and Increase Composting

Update as of July 2023

• 17 composting pilot locations for the 2022-23 school year. Composting Data shows that over 165,000 lbs. of materials were collected for composting and diverted from the landfill.
• Working with the County Department of the Environment to expand the number of composting schools for 2023-24 academic year.
• Administrative Procedure: Reduce Food Waste In Schools was created and submitted for approval to provide guidance on Share Tables, Offer vs Serve, and food donation to a local food pantry.

Adaptation Action 1: Continue to Participate in Maryland’s Farm to School Program and Expand Sourcing and Promotion of Locally Produced Foods

Update as of July 2023

• The procurement contract specifies the requirement for the distributor  to source locally-grown produce.
• Maryland local farms providing seasonal produce includes: Baugher Apple Orchard, Westminster; Miller Farm, Clinton; and Bartenfelder Farm, Nottingham.

Adaption Action 2: Create Resilient Food Production on PGCPS Properties

Update as of July 2023

• Continuing collaboration with Gwynn Park High School to develop plan for growing herbs to be used in the school lunch program as well as produce seedlings to support planting herbs in other schools.
• Collaboration with Maryland SNAP-ED program to provide nutrition education, school gardens and encourage students to grow and try a variety of foods.

Priority Recommendation #6: Commit to Sustainable Materials Management and Procurement

To ensure that sustainable materials are used throughout PGCPS, a new sustainable purchasing policy was developed. A heightened focus on waste reduction, recycling and composting was implemented that includes new waste management lessons for fourth-graders and professional development for their teachers. Activities around America Recycles Day included teacher toolkits with ideas to promote recycling and reducing waste, and a video challenge had students sharing ideas online. School recycling data is being tracked, and schools that participated in the county’s pilot composting program diverted 165,000 pounds of materials from the landfill.

Operational Action 1: Develop a Sustainable Purchasing Policy

Update as of July 2023

• Working to finalize the Sustainable Purchasing Administrative Policy.

Operational Action 2: Reduce School Meal Packaging Sent to the Landfill

Update as of July 2023

• Transitioning to compostable packaging and utensils for next school year.

Operational Action 3: Promote Recycling and Waste Reduction in PGCPS

Update as of July 2023

• Produced PGCPS Newsbreak - Trash Talk focusing on school composting and Bowie Green Team Meeting presentation on composting, recycling and other school environmental programs. 
• Presented recycling and composting information at the Student Environmental Alliance Summit (April 18)
• Updated Administrative Procedure 2810: Recycling Program; submitted AP to General Counsel for review
• Implementing battery recycling program (small 9-volt or less) to schools then offices
• Continuing to promote all waste reduction programs on the Recycling webpages

Mitigation Action 1: Improve the Carbon Footprint of the Waste Collection System

Update as of July 2023

• Combine all waste removal under one vendor to improve efficiency
• Add personnel in FY25 to monitor and improve waste reduction.

Mitigation Action 2: Expand Tracking of Waste and Diversion Rates

Update as of July 2023

• Tracking recycling data and Recycling Dumpster Data for all facilities. Composting Data shows that over 165,000 lbs. of materials were collected for composting and diverted from the landfill.
• Add more personnel in fiscal year 2025 to monitor and improve waste  reduction.
• Fiscal year 2024 budget request provides funding for implementation of a pilot program to use dynamic routing for trash collection in one-third of the county. If successful, phase in the the remaining two-thirds over the next three fiscal years

Priority Recommendation #7: Commit to Climate Resilient Land Management

PGCPS is working on strategies for climate-resilient land management that includes thoughtful design for new construction and landscaping, reforestation, moving away from fossil fuels, utilizing microgrids and conducting energy audits. All new buildings under construction during the 2022-23 school year were designed to be Resiliency Hubs, facilities that support residents, coordinate communication, distribute resources and reduce carbon pollution.

Operational Action 1: Conduct a System-Wide Landscape Inventory and Develop a Plan for Green Infrastructure and Sustainable Landscape Management

Update as of July 2023

• Working to establish a broad framework for facility environmental data and develop dashboards that include green infrastructure and conservation landscapes. 
• Developing the database that will be used to monitor progress in this area.
• Developing 50 Climate Change Action Plan management areas to promote natural reforestation.

Operational Action 2: Establish a System-wide Project Database with Tracking and Monitoring for all Green Infrastructure and Conservation Landscapes

Update as of July 2023

• Defined green infrastructure and identified the project types.
• Working to establish a broad framework for facility environmental data and develop dashboards that include green infrastructure and conservation landscapes. 
• Prepared presentation on various methods available to display green infrastructure data.

Operational Action 3: Incorporate Stormwater Management Activities into School Curriculum to Enhance Climate Science

Update as of July 2023

• Ongoing teacher professional development underway.

Operational Action 4: Streamline the Review Process for Green Infrastructure Projects and Separate the Review Process from the Current Site Permitting Process

Update as of July 2023

• Unable to meet this objective due to county and state mandates.
• Regulatory agencies having jurisdiction request additional measures after review of plans as well as concurrent studies (traffic, floodplain studies, etc.). The building footprint is not set in place until determined by review of plans that the program identified in the educational specifications have been met as well as requirements from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). As the size of a building on a site directly correlates with the requirements for stormwater management and green infrastructure, these requirements must be evaluated on an individual project basis.

Mitigation Action 1: Plant More Trees at Each School and Across the School System

Update as of July 2023

• Developing 50 Climate Change Action Plan management areas to promote natural reforestation.
• Working to promote and support systemic student-based tree planting(s). 
• Developing an administrative procedure to discontinue the practice of removing live trees from PGCPS property.

Mitigation Action 2: Plant Native Plants and Create Conservation Landscapes for Stormwater and Multiple Benefits

Update as of July 2023

• Planting trees on new construction and staged renovation projects in accordance with the MNCPPC Forest Management plan. This work will involve coordination with the county on the permissible plants and/or landscapes at each site.

Mitigation Action 3: Increase the Number of School-Based Green Infrastructure Projects

Update as of July 2023

• Installing extensive green infrastructure items at Glenridge Area Middle School, William Wirt Middle School, as well as all six projects under the Blueprint Schools Phase 1 Package. Additional infrastructure items were also installed at the replacement building for Cherokee Lane Elementary School.

Mitigation Action 4: Transition Sports Field Surfaces to Natural Turf

Update as of July 2023

• Identified Largo and Surrattsville High Schools as suitable sites to test a natural turf design installation of natural grass playing fields.
• Researching resilient grass types that will hold up under extensive community use.
• Pilot program funding will be requested in fiscal year 2025 budget.

Adaption Action 1: Reduce Paved Surfaces and Replace Remaining Impervious Parking Areas with Pervious Paving

Update as of July 2023

• Exploring the potential for use of alternative materials and outlining costs related to potential changes to our current paving practices.
• Capital Programs will request alternative paving in all future projects.

Adaptation Action 2: Investigate Building Structures and Retrofit Green Roofs Where Feasible

Update as of July 2023

• Exploring blue roofs and solar roofs in lieu of green roofs for existing facilities due to the potential structural implications.
• Considering green roofs for new construction projects only as required for meeting stormwater management requirements and on an individual project basis. Green roofs will need a waiver due to current requirements for solar panels on new construction.

Adaptation Action 3: Preserve Existing Trees and Woodlands During Site Development Process

Update as of July 2023

• Exploring implementation of tree credits at alternative land sites. 
• Working with MNCPPC to comply with new county forestry management requirements that limit ability to remove mature trees. 
• Working on constructive measures for response to community safety complaints regarding existing trees on PGCPS property in an effort to maintain compliance with the new county forestry management requirements.

Adaptation Action 4: Reuse Already Developed Properties for School Sites

Update as of July 2023

• Purchased additional adjacent land in New Carrollton to expand existing sites towards greater effectiveness.  
• Plans underway to develop new schools in the current Capital Improvement Plan on existing school land.
• Developing memorandum of understanding (MOU) for Mullikin Bus Lot project to provide additional land for electric bus charging facilities as part of work to update and expand the existing bus lot and service station.

Priority Recommendation #8: Lead by Example to Support Transformational Change

To support transformational change in all the priority areas, PGCPS launched the #PGCPSGreen campaign this school year to spotlight school-based and student-led efforts. Staff tracked and supported local and state climate change legislation and incorporated equity considerations into priority area decisions and actions.

Operational Action 1 (MOVED TO PRIORITY 2.1): Create a Sustainability & Resiliency Officer Position in the PGCPS Administration

Operational Action 2: Ensure that Equity Permeates Through All Decisions Implementing the CCAP

Update as of July 2023

• Utilized review process to assist with applying an equity lens to decisions and actions for each priority area.
• Equity Coaches attended meetings with Priority Leads and/or Priority Teams to support reflection on equity considerations.

Operational Action 3: Ensure Equitable, Meaningful Student and Community Engagement

Update as of July 2023

• Launched #PGCPSGreen social media campaign to highlight student-led and school-based initiatives, particularly those focused on eco-friendly commemorations (i.e., Earth Day, Food Waste Prevention Week).
• Researching feasibility of collaborations with Prince George’s County Regional Association of Student Governments.

Operational Action 4: Ensure that Negotiated Workforce Contracts Respond to the CCAP Recommendations

Update as of July 2023

• Reviewing regulations for support personnel. 
• Exploring measures to reduce printing costs.

Operational Action 5: Lobby for Necessary Changes to State, County and Federal Law and Regulations

Update as of July 2023

Submitted letters of support for Senate Bill 223/House Bill 230 — Zero Emissions Medium and Heavy Duty Vehicles Regulations (Clean Trucks Act of 2023) and Senate Bill 613/House Bill 908 — Community Solar Energy Generating Systems Program

Operational Action 6: Ensure that Capital Program and Other Budgetary Decisions Keep the CCAP Goals

Update as of July 2023

• Adjusted construction purchasing requirements to emphasize compliance with Climate Change Action Plan.
• Added 20 electric school buses (nine Blue Bird and 11 International), scheduled to arrive December 2023, to the fleet. PGCPS previously purchased one electric school bus. 
• Developing plans for 21 electric buses to serve as a pilot project on incorporating new technology into the existing school bus transportation fleet.
• Selected propane-powered portable charging units as temporary solutions. Exploring permanent charging solutions to power the 20 new electric buses. Financial considerations include the readiness and feasibility of the existing bus lot for infrastructure upgrades, cost of maintenance of infrastructure, power management planning, workforce costs.
• Installed infrastructure for solar panels as part of the design and construction of first and second group of Blueprint Schools. PGCPS plans to receive rebate funds from these new schools.

Operational Action 7 (THIS ITEM SHOULD MOVE TO PRIORITY 2 AT THE END OF THE YEAR): Calculate a PGCPS Greenhouse Gas Inventory

Update as of July 2023

• Requested pricing from vendor to catalog and barcode all maintenance equipment by September 2023. The vendor will also provide pricing to calculate energy usage for equipment. 
• Developing tiered plan to phase out all equipment currently powered by gas from all schools. Recently purchased 10 battery-powered weed eaters for use at school properties. 
• Working to replace all aged HVAC equipment charged with R-22 refrigerant. The largest pieces of equipment (chillers) are the first type of equipment targeted in this plan.
• Note: Moving to Priority 2, effective July 1, 2023

Operational Action 8: Update Inaugural Climate Change Action Plan

Update as of July 2023

• Published the Mid-Year Report in February 2023 for download at pgcps.org/climate-change.
• Shared May 2023 feedback from the Climate Parents of Prince George’s with the respective priority groups.