WCS ALL GREEN 
Warren Consolidated Schools has scored a significant “first” in the district’s continuing efforts towards energy savings and environmental consciousness. Each of the district’s 26 schools is now an active participant in the Michigan Green School Program.
Established in 2006, the statewide Green School Program is designed to motivate students and school staff members to become actively involved in recycling, energy conservation, and environmental protection. Coupled with other student education programs and school building retrofits, green activities are earning Warren Consolidated Schools cash awards while controlling gas and electricity consumption during a time of rising costs.
Each WCS school applied for “Green School” designation. Applications required a list of activities which students and staff intended to complete during the school year. Projects were chosen which would best demonstrate student and staff involvement in environmentally friendly activities.
Finishing 10 projects earns a school the designation of “Green School.” Flynn and Grissom Middle Schools and the Macomb Math, Science/Technology Center have received this first-level designation.
Harwood and Black Elementary Schools have completed 20 projects qualifying them for “Emerald School” status.
Beer and Carter Middle Schools have earned the highest level -- Evergreen -- by completing 30 projects. Carter Middle School was also named “2011 Green School of the Year” for Macomb County.
Warren Consolidated Schools count several other “green” initiatives including the DTE Energy Challenge and the “America’s Home Energy Education Challenge.” Staff and students at Siersma Elementary and Grissom Middle School have accepted the DTE energy challenge to lower the school’s electrical energy consumption by 10% compared with last year. This challenge gives the schools a chance to earn up to $15,000.
Final reduction rates will be tallied in April 2012, just in time for Earth Day. Currently, both schools have shown significant energy consumption decreases and are on their way to the 10% savings goal.
Siersma Elementary and Carter Middle School have marshaled their students for the America’s Home Energy Education Challenge. In this program, students developed a list of changes targeted to reducing energy consumption in their own homes. Students made posters to encourage lower consumption. They also are using data collection tools to compare their Sept.-Dec. 2010 energy usage with usage during the same period in 2011.
Siersma and Carter are among 36 schools nationwide that will split more than $100,000 based on home energy usage reductions. An additional $42,000 has been allocated for poster contest awards. According to Warren Consolidated administrators, students at both schools are doing a tremendous job at collecting data for submission by December 31, 2011.
All programs are organized under Warren Consolidated’s Renewable Energy Institute banner. The REI’s goals are to increase environmental awareness and energy consciousness among student and staff while controlling the amount of non-renewable energy consumed.
RESOURCES To learn more about Michigan Green Schools visit www.michigangreen.org Fun information for students and parents visit Games, tips, and facts just for kids who want to save energy! http://www.eere.energy.gov/kids |
