Sustainability

The plan separates the work into three areas of focus: Facilities and Operations; Teaching and Learning; and Habits and Culture. This multi-pronged approach reaches into all corners of BPS and enables us to systematically fulfill our vision and achieve our goals towards a sustainable and resilient Bellingham Public Schools. Click on the icons below to go to the different areas of focus.

Bellingham Public Schools will meet the needs of our present community without compromising the ability of current and future Bellingham generations to meet their own needs.

We believe…

• We are not separate from the natural environment.
• All humans deserve to flourish
• Resilience depends on diversity, and
• Inaction is inequity.

Operation: Balance human, environmental and economic priorities in all decisions

Learning: Prepare students for a future of stewardship, cooperation and problem-solving in an increasingly uncertain world.

Culture: Empower everyone in the organization to see their role in this work

Equity: Make the connection between advancing the ongoing equity work and reacting to the climate crisis

Leadership: Elevate this work with the urgency that is required to meet the moment

Health: Address the climate-based impacts on the wellbeing of our students and staff

Why climate action planning?

BPS has been a leader in education for decades – from implementing a central kitchen and scratch cooking to beginning universal, all-day Kindergarten. Since the early 2000’s BPS has taken steps to reduce our environmental impact.  In recent years, historic weather events – atmospheric river flooding, debilitating wildfire smoke, excessive head days – have highlighted the local reality of climate change and the need to adopt sustainability practices and move toward resilient school facilities. Student voice is elevating this work and energizing our staff and community.

Across our city, state, country, and around the world, leaders are prioritizing climate issues. BPS continues to make progress in our sustainability efforts and acknowledges the abundance of work ahead. Our Climate Action Plan represents a bold step toward a sustainable and resilient BPS.

What is the difference between an overarching goal and a tactical goal?

Overarching goals represent long-term, five-year goals that encompass all tactical goals. Tactical goals are meant to be more actionable and shorter-term. Ideally, in the five-year cycle we will achieve tactical goals and swap them out for new tactical goals.

Why is transportation not included?

At the time BPS convened the Sustainability Advisory Committee, we were transitioning to a new Director of Transportation. To ensure a smooth transition, we decided not to include specifical tactical goals around transportation in the initial Climate Action Plan. Tactical goals regarding transportation will be included in the coming years.

Why does BPS not have any electric buses?

BPS has applied for various electric bus grants over the years, but has not been successful, mainly due to the age and efficiency of our current fleet. In 2016, BPS ran a successful special transportation levy to replace our aging bus fleet. The new, high efficiency diesel buses have allowed us to meet critical transportation needs. Since 2007 the EPA has continually toughened emissions standards for school buses. BPS operates the most efficient and cleanest school buses available; only 8% of our fleet was built prior to 2014.

Does BPS operate any electric vehicles?

Yes, BPS has 3 electric vehicles that are used by our technology team, and 2 electric vehicles used in our Traffic Safety Education courses. Further, as service fleet vehicles age, BPS will consider replacing them with electric options, specifically for vans, shop trucks, and small sedans.

Sehome High School has solar panels, why restrict usage when we are producing our own energy?

Sehome’s solar panels produce 100kWh which is not enough to power the entire building. The district still needs to purchase power from Puget Sound Energy.