At Sound Footprint we believe that schools should both model and teach sustainability -- a way of life that nurtures both human communities and the natural environment. We work with schools to give students and teachers the knowledge, skills, and values to create a better world.

Sustainable schools may benefit in the following ways:

• Save money through conservation of resources
• Provide a healthier environment for students and staff
• Inspire and attract conscientious and socially responsible parents
• Engage students in real-world investigations and collaborative solutions

Sound Footprint provides a variety of services to schools and educators including assessments, workshops, and curriculum support.  We also assist in making simple operational changes to school campuses that can significantly reduce environmental impact. We recommend sustainability education resources and suggest teachers become familiar with Washington State’s sustainability educational standards.

Green Teams

Green Teams lead and coordinate school and organizational sustainability activities. The role of the Green Team is to oversee efforts in the following ways:

• Ensure a link to the organization’s mission and values
• Set sustainability goals and facilitate action
• Establish accountability and measure results
• Communicate with stakeholders

A Green Team should have representatives from different stakeholder groups within the school community. For example, a school Green Team might include teachers, administrators, parents, students (depending on age, interest, need, etc.) and facilities and business managers.

Sound Footprint is experienced in helping organizations create successful Green Teams. Our work starts with helping a Green Team identify measurable goals. Often we encourage a Green Team to focus right away on some simpler projects that achieve success. Over time, successful Green Teams hold efficient meetings, record action items, and establish accountability. In addition, they celebrate and communicate success with the school community.