NNDA recognizes Carson City School District for sustainability practices

In acknowledgement of the Carson City School District’s sustainability achievements, the Northern Nevada Development Authority provided a Special Recognition of Excellence for Sustainability Practices during its monthly ‘The Business Edge’ meeting at the Carson Nugget Casino, Oct. 24.

A plaque for the award was accepted by Andrew Feuling, director of fiscal services, for the Carson City School District. NNDA also presented Mark Korinek, director of operations for the District, with a plaque acknowledging his specific efforts spearheading most of this work and as being recognized around northern Nevada as a leader in green initiatives.

“We tend to only recognize how companies are incorporating sustainability practices into their business model,” NNDA President and CEO Rob Hooper said. “Other types of entities are doing the same, and we have been impressed with the sustainability accomplishments the Carson City School District has achieved.”

Earlier this year, 9 of the 10 Carson City School District schools earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star certification, he continued. This certification signifies these buildings perform in the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide for energy efficiency and meets strict energy efficiency performance levels set by the EPA. When construction of the 10th school is completed, the District expects it will also receive the Energy Star certification.

Chris Lynch, director of the Nevada Business Environmental Program, was the keynote speaker at the meeting. He presented "Finding the Green in Environmental Sustainability" that morning to an audience of about 40. Mr. Lynch and his consulting team provide assistance to hundreds of business owners and entrepreneurs annually on a broad range of issues including environmental regulatory compliance and permitting, environmental sustainability strategies, green business development, energy efficiency, clean transportation and environmental energy project funding.

Part of the Carson City School District’s strategic plan includes 1) providing opportunities through community partnerships and district resources for students to learn about environmentally friendly actions and sustainable practices to share their families, community, environment and future employers; 2) directing the district to engage in and encourage sustainable practices in its operations and communicating these efforts to students, their families and all stakeholders and 3) empowering students to achieve a lifestyle that is physically and emotionally healthy and socially responsible.

The District is considered the most energy efficient in Nevada, on a utility cost per student basis. Before their last round of energy savings projects, their Energy Use Intensity, or EUI was 44.7. Other K-12 school districts in Nevada average around 60 EUI.

By utilizing district resources to model sustainability goals and provide cost savings, the district has become a stage for students to benefit from sustainability, to learn about first hand, and then take their knowledge and skills to benefit the employers (or become the employers) of northern Nevada.

In September, NNDA announced the 2018 Pioneer Award winners, which highlight the strength and innovation of the Sierra Region economic ecosystem. Winners will be honored and celebrated during an awards gala next Thursday, Nov. 8, at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

NNDA’s ‘The Business Edge’ provides information, issues and trends of interest to the northern Nevada business community. A combination of breakfasts and lunches, these monthly briefings offer opportunities to network with local business executives and management teams, elected and government officials, key workforce development leaders, and important nonprofit organizations. For those interested in learning more or sponsoring a table, please contact Maggie Scott, events manager at mscott@nnda.org. Or call 775-624-3960.