Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) School Board Policy 8542 – Environmental Stewardship requires an annual Greenhouse Gas Inventory report. The policy is intended to educate students and staff members in environmental stewardship responsibilities, and to develop and implement critical-thinking skills and communication skills to address the appropriate measures needed in order to be responsible stewards of the environment.

The policy further states carbon reduction is the most important environmental concern, and FCPS is committed to reducing energy consumption wherever possible, both to take advantage of its benefits to the environment and to reduce energy expenses. Staff members are tasked to create an inventory of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and implement policies, programs, and operations to further achieve measurable reduction and help contribute to regional reduction targets.

In 2018, FCPS emitted 177,871 metric tons of CO2e. This is an increase in emissions from the 2017 inventory of 3.82%. Although GHG emissions increased from 2017 to 2018, they did decrease overall across the eleven years since the first inventory was started for calendar year 2008. From 2008 to 2018 their GHG emissions decreased by 26.5% while increasing the number of students, the total building square footage, and buses!

Inventories are currently available for years 2013-2018. Check them out, below:

https://www.fcps.edu/about-fcps/performance-and-accountability/energy-management-program/greenhouse-gas-inventory