Green Summit Inspires Future Sustainability Leaders In Colorado Springs -09/12/24
Colorado Springs, CO—September 11, 2024 — District 11 (D11) Colorado Springs Schools hosted the Green Summit, a districtwide symposium on sustainability for students in grades 4-12. Held on September 10 at Wasson Academic Campus, the Green Summit successfully engaged young minds to understand and advance their school-wide sustainability goals and contribute to the district’s overarching objectives.
Hosted in partnership with energy leader Schneider Electric, the Green Summit included educational sessions focused on leadership, waste diversion, and green careers. The agenda featured a keynote speaker who is a thought leader in sustainability, an engaging city utility message, and insightful district leadership communication. Events were designed to accommodate both younger and older students through two distinct tracks. This structured approach ensured that every student, regardless of age, could deeply engage with the material and gain valuable insights.
The primary aim of the Green Summit was to equip students with the knowledge and motivation they need to become sustainability champions within their own schools. By empowering students to take action, the event sought to create a ripple effect, influencing the broader student body and supporting D11’s sustainability goals.
"We hope that the D11 Green Summit ignited a passion for responsible practices and careers in STEAM among our students," said Michael Gaal, Superintendent of Schools. “By educating and empowering our youth, we are investing in a greener future for all."
District 11 Colorado Springs Schools and Schneider Electric are committed to leading by example in sustainability and energy efficiency. Their collaborative efforts ensure that the next generation is not only aware of but also actively engaged in creating sustainable solutions. This event underscores their dedication to fostering a greener future and highlights their role as leaders in the field.
In addition to collaborating on Green Summit, D11 and Schneider Electric are finalizing details on a district modernization project that would impact over 50 of D11’s schools. The project would include a combination of classroom improvements and energy efficiency upgrades that are expected to save taxpayers $50 million over the lifetime of the project and bolster D11 as the most energy cost-efficient school district in El Paso County.
This partnership aligns with District 11’s initiatives to build connected communities and enrich student learning through real-world experiences. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Schneider to provide transformative, one-of-a-kind opportunities that empower our students to activate their learning,” said Gaal.
About District 11 Colorado Springs Schools
Colorado Springs School District 11 has enjoyed a distinguished legacy of providing excellent education to the greatest number of students in our region. Today, we have 58 schools and alternative educational opportunities to provide each student with a unique and exceptional educational experience.
For more information about the Green Summit or to learn how you can support sustainability initiatives in schools, contact Beth Austin at beth.austin@d11.org.
About Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric is a global leader in energy management and automation. With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, Schneider Electric provides integrated solutions to make energy safe, reliable, efficient, and sustainable.