A comprehensive school environmental policy should cover energy use, green procurement, green cleaning, green buildings, transportation, grounds maintenance, environmental toxins, recycling and communications.

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Resources:

The Waltham (MA) Public School District has elected to implement an Environmental Management System (EMS) at all twelve of their public schools.  The purpose of the EMS is to address environmental issues comprehensively, to achieve and maintain environmental compliance throughout the district and to integrate a commitment to environmental compliance and sound environmental management practices into the daily mission of the public schools.

The Green Schools Initiative is working to leverage the schools sector to transform the school environment – and the markets that supply schools – to improve health and sustainability. They have developed comprehensive tools to engage students, parents, teachers, and school officials in reducing a school's environmental footprint, including a quiz, a buying guide, and curriculum ideas. Their 'Green School Profiles' tell stories of what schools around the country are doing to be green.