Financial Resources

Money is an important and all too scarce resource!
There are many aspects that should be considered with respect to money and school sustainability.

Capital investments

• The overall financial impact of decisions needs to be considered for both the short and long term.
• Example: A particular element of a new school building may seem excessive for the initial capital budget, but may be well justified if it saves daily operating costs over many years.

Investments

• A school / district may have various opportunities to invest money. Invest in companies and funds that, in addition to providing a strong rate of return, are committed to social and environmental responsibility. Investing in these companies also supports the development of sustainable products and services.
• Progress in this area could be guided by a school / district multi-stakeholder committee on investor responsibility (CIR)

K-12 School System Funding

• Adequate school funding is a critical element of school sustainability, and is dependent on multiple aspects of state and federal school funding systems.
• It’s important for everyone whether you have children or not, because the quality of local schools affects your property value, and schools educate your future co-workers, leaders and providers.

Purchases

• Requesting sustainable goods and services from vendors who support the same, will help inform vendors and help drive sustainability forward. See Procurement.

School Fundraising

• School fundraisers while important, often support environmentally-unfriendly products or unhealthy foods. See our Eco-Friendly Fundraisers list for other ideas.