In December 2015, delegates from nearly 200 countries gathered in Paris, France with a singular goal: to reach a resolution on cutting greenhouse gas emissions in a global effort to curb the effects of climate change.  This massive meeting, otherwise known as the 21st Conference of Parties or COP21, culminated on December 12, 2015 with the approval of an agreement by all countries in attendance to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit average global warming to 2°C above pre-industrial temperatures. 
 
I realize this agreement is not perfect and critics on both sides of the issue have their disagreements with the outcome; regardless, this agreement marks a major milestone in global efforts to protect the planet we all call home.

The start of a new school year is an exciting time for students, full of anticipation and promise.  This statement is especially true for the K-5 students in Arlington, Virginia attending Discovery Elementary School.  
Not only are the students attending school in a brand new building, Arlington County's first new elementary school in more than ten years, they are attending school in a net-zero energy building.  In fact, Discovery Elementary School is expected to be the first net-zero energy school in the Commonwealth of Virginia, as well as the largest in the United States and the first in the entire northeast. 

Joe Biluck, Director of Operations and Technology, Medford Township Board of Education, describes the programs that Medford Township Public Schools has employed to improve the district schools' energy efficiency while saving money at the same time.

The Solar Foundation (TSF) is an independent nonprofit organization, based out of Washington DC, which was founded in 1977. The mission of TSF is to increase understanding of solar energy through strategic research and education that transform markets. TSF is also the founder and co-chair of the National Solar Schools Consortium.

Mike Walker, President of AlterAction Inc., discusses the Energy Star program's Low Carbon IT Campaign and how schools can save power and money by adopting greener IT.  

Leisha John, Americas Director of Environmental Sustainability for EY,illustrates the benefits of white-coating school roofs, an idea inspired by similar efforts she saw in the private sector.  

Making solar energy teaching more fun by using invisible forces to power race cars.  Reprinted with permission from Green Teacher magazine and originally authored by Mark Walker.  
GSNN Grab Bag: Events, Resources, Professional Development, and Grants for January

The latest news on events, resources, and grants for January.
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