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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.