The Division of Sustainability and Compliance

Our Mission

The Division of Sustainability and Compliance supports student success by elevating the school system’s approach to environmental stewardship and by leading change to incorporate sustainable considerations in all decisions. Our work aims to ensure that healthy learning and working environments are equitably accessible across MCPS. We embrace our shared responsibility to build and operate facilities that contribute to the well-being of the school community, and the health of the planet.

Our Vision

MCPS will be at the forefront of environmental stewardship using innovation, partnerships, and creative thinking to inspire significant, positive, and meaningful contributions that will sustain resilient communities for current and future generations.

News & Updates

Sustainability Poster Contest

All MCPS students and staff members are invited to participate in the Division of Sustainability and Compliance's (DSC) 2023 Sustainability Poster Contest. The contest seeks to increase awareness and demonstrate the importance of environmental sustainability, energy conservation, waste reduction and responsible recycling.

All art must be the original work of a student or staff member and not contain any copyrighted elements. Posters should be no smaller than 8.5 inches by 11 inches and must not exceed 18 inches by 24 inches in size.

Submit posters to DSC, 45 W. Gude Drive, Suite 4000 in Rockville, by Monday, April 3. For more information, send an  email  or call 240-314-1090.

More information

DSC Poster Contest Entry Form

Energy Assistance Programs and Energy Savings

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will offer staffed information tables to learn about energy assistance programs and energy saving resources on seven select days through April. The resource tables will be staffed by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Pepco. For more information, click here. 


Caring for Watersheds

Caring for Our Watersheds is Chesapeake Bay's longest-running environmental action challenge - it's an unparalleled opportunity for students to develop STEM knowledge, environmental literacy, and civic action skills as they create solution-oriented projects to improve their watershed. 

Groups of ten students (or more!) investigate their community and develop civic action projects to answer the question, "What can you do to improve your watershed?" Students receive $250 for their classroom for participating, they can apply for $1,000 in implementation funds throughout the year, and they can win up to another $1,000 for their action story in May!  Join an Info Session to learn more or drop in on any Wednesday in February 2023 for Action Plan Proposal Coaching! We'll answer questions and help you and your students improve your proposal.  Register at earthforce.org

Stipends and Grants

The Division of Sustainability and Compliance is pleased to offer three types of stipends to staff leading sustainability programs and to increase participation in the Maryland Green School (MDGS) certification program.  These stipends are new this year, and replace incentive awards that were previously awarded to a limited number of schools.  The change is to acknowledge the admirable efforts of staff at all schools who are leading sustainability at their schools systemwide.  In accordance with MCPS practices, both MCEA and SEIU are eligible for these stipends.  Please complete and submit the linked google Stipend Request Form as applicable to your school.


Four funding opportunities from  MAEOE  ranging from $250 to $2,500 that include teacher stipend for leading a Green Team, Student Action Grants, Transportation Grants, and Teacher Professional Development Grants.  To apply, click  here .

New Website Links Climate Planning, Progress and Action

 

Montgomery County has unveiled a new website about all aspects of the County's actions on climate change. The website brings the County's array of climate planning, progress and action under one, easy-to-navigate portal.
The web address is  https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/climate/ . 

Why Electrify Everything? 

Electrify Everything
Ever since October 1992, the country has been celebrating Energy Action Month - this year we are focusing all of our efforts on ELECTRIFY EVERYTHING!  Montgomery County has been a national leader in responding to the challenge of climate change.  Setting aggressive GHG emissions reduction targets, the County aims to reduce GHG by 80% by 2027 and 100% by 2035.  The only way to tackle the impacts of climate change is to Electrify Everything. For more information, click here.

Professional Development Sessions

Professional development sessions are available for schools seeking Maryland Green Schools certification.  Click here and go to Resources For Staff to learn more and register.

Solar Decathlon includes high school students this year!

 
Solar Decathlon is excited to expand its impact to include high school students! In this new program, SD Pathways, teachers, and students will get a clean energy career talk with an interactive Q&A session at the end. The conversation will focus on high performance buildings, clean energy, educational paths, and possible careers. Sign up here!

MCPS Adopts Transformative Sustainability Policy 

On June 28, 2022, the Montgomery County Public Schools Board of Education unanimously adopted a transformative sustainability policy. Titled  Policy ECA, Sustainability , the policy commits the school district to cutting greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2027 and 100% by 2035 compared to 2005 levels, in line with the County's Climate Action Plan. To achieve this, the policy centers environmental sustainability in every aspect of MCPS, from the type of energy powering school buildings to the depth of climate change education students receive in the classroom.  

"It's not just new construction, it's the way we think about transportation…it's the way we think about our athletic fields. We see emails about 'the grass [being] too long'. That will become the norm: restoring the public space to natural space as part of climate initiatives," explained Seth Adams, the Director of the Department of Facilities Management, at the  June 28th Board Business Meeting .  Click here to read the full article published in My Green Montgomery.  

Voluntary Guidance and Resources: Increasing the Use of Your Outdoor Spaces 

Read about the important guidance and resources for those interested in Increasing the Use of Outdoor Spaces on school sites for activities including lunch, recess, and learning.

What Can I Do About Climate Change?

 

Climate Change_What can I do

What can my family, friends, and I do in our everyday lives to combat climate change and create a more resilient Montgomery County?  To learn more about Montgomery County Climate Action Plan, click here.
 
If you missed any previous presentations or events, click here and scroll down to Archive of Events and Presentations to view.

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