Washington, DC (April 21, 2009) – In an effort to make Earth Day an ongoing focus for K-12 institutions, the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) and EPEAT today announced a new partnership on a green computing certification program for schools and school districts. The new CoSN Green Computing Certification Program includes responsible purchasing with EPEAT certification, computer infrastructure energy usage reductions, appropriate computer disposal and use of computers to reduce waste. The program will also provide K-12 technology leaders with an opportunity to receive recognition for their schools’ and districts’ efforts to “go green” and reduce their carbon footprint.
“As education leaders continue to take steps to reduce their schools’ environmental impact, we think it is important to recognize environmental stewards within the education community. The EPEAT certification process will not only highlight the good work of these leading districts and schools, but will also encourage others to embark on or enhance their own green computing efforts,” said Keith Krueger, CEO of CoSN. “EPEAT is one of the most recognized environmental standards nationwide, and we are proud to partner with them on this initiative.”
“Educators can play a very unique role as environmental champions within the communities they serve, and we look forward to working with CoSN to recognize the schools and districts that are aspiring to the highest environmental standards and practices,” said Jeff Omelchuck, Executive Director of EPEAT. “This new collaborative effort is a win-win for EPEAT, CoSN, and schools striving to reduce waste and conserve our natural resources.”
CoSN has dedicated an area of its Green Computing Initiative Web site - www.cosn.org/greencomputing - to the certification program, where technology leaders can learn more about the program and download a series of forms to apply for green computing certification, including an initial planning form, a first year initial certification request and an ongoing annual certification renewal form. Following the certification process, CoSN will provide green computing certified schools with an official certificate and logo for their use in communications and other materials.
There are a number of pioneering school districts already engaged in robust energy conservation efforts, including the Madison Metropolitan School District in Madison, WI.
"The Madison Metropolitan School District has worked hard to be a community leader in our energy conservation efforts, for several reasons. Clearly, it provides many ways for us to reduce our operating costs and save money but more importantly, it allows us to model for our children and the community we serve, steps each of us must take to protect our Earth,” said Daniel Nerad, Superintendent of Madison Metropolitan School District. “We are looking towards CoSN's Green Computing certification as a means of recognition for our IT department efforts."
In October 2008, CoSN launched its Green Computing Initiative, which was designed to help schools identify ways to do their part to reduce waste, save energy, and promote sustainability. The initiative focuses on three major topic areas: technology energy use; green computing purchase and disposal; and reducing waste and saving natural resources.
For more information about the CoSN Green Computing Certification Program, please click here. To learn more about CoSN’s Green Computing Leadership Initiative, click here.
To learn more about the Madison Metropolitan School District’s energy conservation efforts, please click here.
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About the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN)
CoSN is the premier professional association for district technology leaders. The mission of CoSN is to empower K-12 district technology leaders to use technology strategically for the improvement of teaching and learning. CoSN provides leadership, community and advocacy essential for the success of these leaders.
CoSN leadership initiatives include:
Cyber Security for the Digital District (www.securedistrict.org)
Data-Driven Decision-Making (www.3d2know.org)
Empowering the 21st Century Superintendent (www.superintendentempower.org)
Green Computing (www.cosn.org/greencomputing)
IT Crisis Preparedness (www.cosn.org/ITCrisisPrep)
K-12 Open Technologies (www.k12opentech.org)
Small District Technology Leadership (http://72.3.238.178/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page)
Taking Total Cost of Ownership to the Classroom (www.classroomtco.org)
Value of Investment (www.edtechvoi.org)
Web2.0 Policy and Leadership (http://www.cosn.org/web2_0/).
CoSN’s membership is a unique blend of education and technology leaders, and decision makers from the public and private sectors. Visit www.cosn.orgor phone 866/267-8747 to find out more about CoSN’s programs, events and resources supporting and promoting leadership development, advocacy and connections to ensure that technology is used strategically for the improvement of teaching and learning in elementary and secondary schools.
About EPEAT
EPEAT evaluates computer desktops, laptops, and monitors based on 51 environmental criteria developed through a stakeholder consensus process supported by US EPA. EPEAT is based on the ANSI-approved IEEE 1680 standard and is managed by the Green Electronics Council, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Portland, OR. Compared to conventional computer equipment, all EPEAT-registered computers have reduced levels of cadmium, lead, and mercury to better protect human health and the environment. They are more energy efficient, which reduces emissions of climate changing greenhouse gases. They are also easier to upgrade and recycle. In fact, manufacturers must offer environmentally responsible recycling options for all EPEAT-registered products. For more on EPEAT criteria and qualified products, see www.epeat.net.