January 22, 2025
Green Building Materials Are Shaping the Future of Schools
Educators and students are shaping the future of education and green schools to build a more sustainable world. The Green Schools Conference, organized by the U.S. Green Building Council, is at the heart of this movement. It brings together educators, advocates, and professionals from across the country to advance green schools and sustainability in education.
The conference will cover a wide range of topics, including systems and culture change for whole-school sustainability, resilient schoolyards, project-based learning for sustainability, decarbonization of school buildings and transportation, and partnerships for sustainable and equitable schools. View the schedule-at-a-glance and full session program.
Coming together from across the country
The Green Schools Conference is the only national event that brings together people who lead, operate, build, and teach in U.S. green schools. That’s a big reason why I’m thrilled to represent Project Learning Tree and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative at the conference. I’m looking forward to connecting with people to learn from them and share PLT resources like our Green Schools Program, Forest Literacy Framework, and the K-8 Activity Guide.
PLT’s involvement in the Green Schools Conference will focus on the role that sustainable supply chains and green building materials play in shaping the future of schools. I’m excited to collaborate with educators, students, and other advocates to showcase the significant impact that sustainable forestry practices and certified wood products can have in creating schools that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible.
Conference Highlights
- Environmental justice and health equity: Explore the intersection of environmental issues and public health and learn how equity can drive community solutions.
- Communication for climate action: Gain insights into effective communication strategies that inspire action and mobilize communities around climate initiatives.
- Partnerships for sustainable and equitable schools: Discover how collaboration among schools, local organizations, and stakeholders can foster sustainability and equity in education.
- Healthy, zero-energy schools: Learn about innovative practices that transform schools into energy-efficient environments that promote student well-being.
- Sustainable school culture and climate: Delve into strategies for cultivating a school culture that prioritizes sustainability and engages students in climate advocacy.
Supporting Green Schools Nurtures the Next Generation
For me, supporting the green schools movement isn’t just about the physical infrastructure of a school—it’s also about nurturing the values of the next generation. By promoting green building practices, we can ensure that students are learning in spaces that not only inspire but also serve to protect the natural world.
Join me at the Green Schools Conference
Register for the Green Schools Conference today! A variety of registration packages are available, with special rates for employees of PreK–12 schools and districts, as well as government and non‑profit employees. I can’t wait to meet and talk more about how sustainably managed forests can benefit communities and kids!
