School Zone
DCPS' Green Champions Kick-Off Event
Representatives from more than 80 Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) recently gathered with officials from GCA Services Group for the
official kick off of the DCPS' Green Champions program.
Attendees obtained valuable tidbits of information from industry experts on how to implement successful earth-friendly plans at their
schools.
Guest speakers included representatives from GCA's Green Programs and Industry Trends; Advanced Disposal's Recycling Division;
Jacksonville Electric Authority's (JEA) Energy Conservation; and the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD).
Eileen Tramontana, SJRWMD's volunteer and education manager, spoke to the crowd about Florida's water and the conservation of water
resources. She also suggested several activities the green champions can use with their students and colleagues.
JEA Certified Energy Manager, Dave McKee, provided the audience with a tutorial of JEA's Web site. Resources are readily available
for teachers to download and teach their students about energy conservation. The site includes everything from science projects to
downloadable games designed to teach students in grades three to seven about renewable energy - energy that is easily replenished and
will never run out.
Susan Carew, DCPS' energy director, informed the crowd that on an annual basis, the district pays JEA approximately $24 million for
utilities.
"By implementing green programs throughout the district, DCPS will save about $10 million annually, which can be used to fund other
district projects," said Carew.
The primary role of the green champions is promoting green practices at the respective schools. They will also lead all of their
school's green initiatives and support others in their green efforts.
Snacks and drinks were donated by GCA, who plays a key role in assisting the green champions, and door prizes were donated by several
DCPS' vendors, including Quantum Mechanical and Brooks Air Systems.
The next green champion meeting is scheduled for Earth Day, April 22, 2010. For more information on how your school can sign up to
be a DCPS' Green Champion, contact Susan Carew at 904.858.6300 or carews@duvalschools.org.
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