Penfield has the influence and the reputability to be a leader in school district sustainability. According to the Rochester City Climate Action Plan, “Climate change will have a variety of public health consequences, including heat-related illnesses, allergies, asthma, water and food borne illnesses, cardiovascular disease, and others.” It is the Penfield Central School District’s duty to work in the interests of students, staff, and Penfield families. The best way for the Penfield Central School District to act against climate change and fight for students’ futures is to commit to a comprehensive sustainability plan. A sustainability plan would create achievable and meaningful goals and guidelines for the school district to work towards in the coming years, aiming at making the PCSD more sustainable and providing a better future for Penfield students.

A Sustainability Plan is a detailed plan for a city, town, business, or school to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, waste, and related climatic impacts. This would commit the district to sustainability related projects that are already in the works, while also allowing them to form new goals. Our PCSD sustainability plan would consist of concrete guidelines that the district can implement in the coming years. This allows the district to better celebrate and expand on the steps they are already taking to fight against climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.