3.30.082 Environmentally Sustainable Business Practices

1. To contribute to a clean environment and thriving economy for present and future generations, the District will establish business procedures that give a premium to environmentally sustainable practices. The District will attain this goal by:
   1. Minimizing its impact on the use of finite natural resources and the environment as a whole.
   2. Promoting an understanding of the importance of environmentally appropriate practices.
   3. Using best practices in the purchase, use and disposal of materials.
2. District staff will implement the following strategies where feasible:
   1. Reduce the waste of energy, water, paper, food and other resources by maintaining a resource conservation management program.
   2. Use resources efficiently, recycle and work to reduce the demand for materials and resources like paper, energy and water.
   3. Consider environmental impact and societal costs in decision-making.
   4. Purchase products based on long-term environmental and operating costs and include environmental and social costs in short term prices.
   5. Purchase products that are durable, reusable, made of recycled materials and non-toxic.
   6. Plan preventive measures to avoid detrimental impacts on the environment.
   7. Enlist schools, the community and business partners to develop preventive strategies and measures.
   8. Encourage activities that will reduce air pollution such as public transportation, carpooling, bike riding, compressed workweek and telecommuting.
   9. Implement an integrated pest management program that includes the following practices:
      1. Reduce and eliminate where feasible, the use of chemical pesticides. Pesticides classified as Group A (known) or Group B (likely) carcinogens are prohibited. Any pesticide used by the District must have a current EPA Registration and must be used in strict compliance with labeling information and EPA regulatory controls.
      2. Seek practical alternatives to the use of pesticides.
      3. Provide notice to the building principal of use seven to ten days before intended application of pesticide or herbicide, except in those instances where rodent or similar infestation creates an imminent risk of danger to students and staff, so that the principal shall notify the school community by notice and posting both before and for a reasonable period after application.
      4. Report annually on practices.
      5. It is not District policy to apply herbicides for aesthetic purposes but to prevent damage to grounds and buildings. Except for circumstances where the health or safety of the community or the integrity of physical structures or grounds are threatened, the District will honor a school's request to designate part or all of the grounds as a pesticide-free zone on an annual basis.
   10. Promote curriculum exploring the relationship of sustainable principles to the environment and economy.
       
       (Board policy adopted 5/21/01)
       
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