Sustainability Services

Overview 

The District provides various programs that assist community members with choosing more sustainable lifestyle options and provide resources to learn more about the environment. Examples of sustainability services include providing sustainable transit, nutritional food, and environmental education. 

By investing in sustainability services, OUSD hopes to foster an environment where community members have equitable access to sustainable lifestyles and work toward environmental justice. The goal of providing environmental educational opportunities is for students to learn about climate literacy and make educated decisions. 

OUSD has supported the journey to equitable environmental justice through the development of the Sustainability Policy and Plan.

Transportation

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, transportation is considered one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, totaling 28 percent of all emissions. OUSD has developed initiatives to promote walking, biking, public transit, and carpooling as mitigation strategies. The District aims to reduce unnecessary transportation emissions by integrating more sustainable transportation opportunities. 

Nutrition and Food Systems 

Meeting students’ nutritional needs is crucial to ensuring student learning outcomes. With climate change negatively impacting agricultural services, healthy food is becoming less accessible. In 2022, over 60 percent of public school students relied on school lunches. As a District, we are responsible for ensuring our food meets nutrition standards and will give students the energy to succeed in the classroom. These nutritious meals will help tackle food insecurity, support local farmers, and boost school garden education programs.

Curriculum Integration

As the future of sustainability, our students must be allowed to practice environmental stewardship through a sustainable curriculum. Enhancing students' understanding of climate change and sustainability ensures that they are well-educated and empowered to effect positive change. 

As a result, OUSD integrates courses focused on sustainability and climate change solutions. Many school sites have begun teaching eco-literacy and promoting environmental stewardship among students.