Mayor Jim Suttle announced today that he has joined the Mayors’ Alliance for Green Schools, a coalition of mayors seeking to strategically harness the leadership and creativity of community leaders across the country to promote the benefits of green schools. The goal of the Alliance is to see every child in America attend a green school within a generation.
“This is an exciting opportunity to take a leadership role in ensuring our schools provide an environment that is healthy, sustainable and more efficient,” Mayor Suttle said. “The Alliance encourages mayors to bring together key community stakeholders to benefit our schools.”
The mayor will work with local school districts, including Omaha Public Schools, to further the mission of the Mayors Alliance for Green Schools and to determine how to implement green school designs and policies in Omaha.
“The School District of Omaha enthusiastically welcomes the opportunity to work in partnership with Mayor Jim Suttle and the Mayors Alliance for Green Schools,” said Dr. John Mackiel, Superintendent of Omaha Public Schools. “The Omaha Public Schools has been aggressive in seeking and implementing best practices in district-wide operations and maintenance programs focusing on energy efficiency and healthful environments in all facilities. The Board of Education supports and advocates policies and procedures promoting environmental improvements and the latest cost saving practices that will advance the vision of providing a green school for every child.”
The Alliance was first formed in October 2008, by Miami Mayor Manuel Diaz and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, in partnership with the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). In November, the Nebraska Flatwater Chapter of the USGBC approached Mayor Suttle about the Alliance, and the Mayor thought it was important to highlight the benefits that green schools can bring to Omaha. According to the Alliance, the average green school saves $100,000 a year on utility bills, freeing up resources to improve students’ education.
The members participate in bi-monthly calls bringing together city staff and experts to discuss issues related to green schools and receive legislative updates on federal legislation that is relevant to the promotion and construction of green schools. There are currently 31 mayors who are part of the Alliance. For more information on what makes a school “green” visit the Alliance’s website.
