PSD Values Natural Resources
PSD reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by adopting a Sustainability Management System (SMS) for all of its operations.
Through the SMS, the district strives to:
- Support the district's educational mission by providing spaces promoting health, productivity, and safety
- Reduce life-cycle costs by conserving energy and natural resources, further supporting fiscal responsibility
- Balance educational, financial, and environmental issues in its daily decision making
- Consider and incorporate sustainability into all future procedures
- Inspire commitment to sustainability among district employees
- Serve as a community leader in sustainability and partner with other organizations to further common goals
Each year, PSD is recognized by numerous local, state, and national organizations for its building designs, environmental leadership and stewardship, energy conservation, and sustainability management systems.
Awards and Recognitions
Green Ribbon Schools
PSD was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a 2015 Green Ribbon Schools District Sustainability Awardee, one of only 15 districts in the nation to receive the award. Three PSD schools have also been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as Green Ribbon Schools - Wellington Middle School in 2012, Kinard Middle School in 2013, and Lesher Middle School in 2014.
Better Buildings Challenge
PSD was recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy as one of the top five Education Sector partners to exceed both its water and energy savings goals in the 2016 Better Buildings Challenge. The challenge engages organizations across the country to increase energy efficiency and reduce energy bills.
PSD achieved a 25 percent energy savings in the last five years, with an 29 percent reduction in water use.
PSD Good as Gold for Environment!
PSD was named a Gold Leader, the highest level of state recognition, by the Colorado Environmental Leadership Program through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. As one of more than 80 gold partners and the first school district in Colorado with this distinction, PSD is recognized as an organization committed to continual environmental improvement with a fully-functional Environmental Management System.
Climate Wise
PSD continues to be recognized as a platinum partner by Climate Wise, a voluntary City of Fort Collins program consisting of over 260 businesses and organizations committed to climate protection, environmental stewardship, and economic vitality. Since 2000, program partners have saved over 480 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity, which is the equivalent to the annual energy use of 43,000 homes!
Energy Star
The district began participation in the Energy Star program in 2000 and has since earned over 300 Energy Star awards. During 2015, 38 schools and 2 office buildings received an award, with 19 schools earning a score of 90 or above.