The following are low-cost initiatives that organizations can use to reduce environmental impact:

• Register for a free energy audit from your utility provider
• Ensure that all lights are CFLs or LED lights
• Purchase green power from your local utility
• Provide infrastructure to encourage families to walk, bike, and carpool to school
• Develop an Environmental Purchasing Policy for the school, see sample
• Reduce waste on campus by using reusable dining ware, promoting recycling, and composting
• Conserve paper by using duplex printers and online communication
• Utilize non-toxic materials, cleaning supplies, hand soap, materials, and recycled paper products

Organizations can make the following larger investments that offer long-term benefits:

• Install or retrofit using alternative energy sources when upgrading the building
• Upgrade insulation and windows to help minimize heat loss
• Replace concrete with green space
• Ensure that plants surrounding the school are native or drought tolerant
• Install a water catchment system to use for toilet flushing, watering, etc.
• Revamp the cafeteria to focus on local, organic, and whole foods