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Environment DEC


From the September 2007 issue

Green Schools Summit in Long Island

Grannis speaking to students at PS345
DEC Commissioner Grannis speaks about environmental issues with students at PS 345 in Brooklyn. This conference is directed at school officials to encourage them to follow environmental best practices.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), in cooperation with the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), will be hosting a Green Schools Summit on Monday, October 15, 2007 at Farmingdale State University. With keynote addresses delivered by Governor Eliot Spitzer and Congressman Steve Israel, this event will include a host of topics relevant to creating environmentally responsible "green schools."

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis will speak about how schools throughout the state are making a difference in their communities with programs about recycling, reducing waste, saving energy and conserving resources. In addition to the long-range benefits of good environmental stewardship, green policies help schools and universities provide healthier surroundings for their students and staff.

Agenda topics include: identifying and purchasing green cleaning materials, as well as the effects of pesticide applications and artificial sports turf; design and construction of high-performance schools under the New York State Collaborative for High Performance Schools (NYSCHPS) model; energy and environmental information for students and teachers; and discussion of alternative-fuel buses and their availability and effect on New York State schools.

Appropriate attendees would include but are not be limited to: school superintendents, principals, buildings and grounds professionals, school board members and fleet managers. The summit will provide objective and current information about the resources available for New York State schools. Please visit NYSERDA's website at http://www.nyserda.org/GreenSchoolSummit.asp to review the agenda and to register. Check DEC's website for more information about green schools.