Project Title: Net Zero as Emissions Reduction at Wisconsin School District
Sector: K-12 School District, K-12 Schools
Location: Wisconsin
Services: Fostering Sustainable Behavior, Climate Resiliency, Stakeholder Engagement, Sustainability Planning, Waste Reduction/Management
Background: The ISTC Zero Waste team was made aware of the opportunity to assist with this project due to past partnership with McKinstry. McKinstry’s mission is to “make the built environment healthier, more efficient and safer through our engineering expertise, construction excellence and innovative facility operations.” The ISTC Zero Waste team was brought on as a consultant for the solid waste, recycling, and compost portion of a larger emissions reduction plan.
Approach: ISTC compiled available information on waste hauling data including dumpster or bin sizes and pickup frequency at 50+ district buildings.
ISTC contacted staff in grounds, cafeteria, waste management, and other high-generation areas to understand current practices and diversion efforts across the district. ISTC also spoke to local government, business, and nonprofit agencies to gain greater understanding of the local area’s waste resources and assess potential partnership opportunities. Through these conversations, ISTC developed strategies and recommendations that complemented and built on existing waste reduction and management work, as well as first steps toward unaddressed “low-hanging fruit” solutions.
Finally, ISTC compiled a list of case studies, best practices, peer institutions, and assistance organizations to provide inspiration and aid for implementing waste reduction strategies. These were documented in a report and submitted to both the district and McKinstry.
Hauling data, stakeholder feedback, and additional resources were presented at an educational workshop. ISTC staff presented in person and answered questions from workshop attendees.
Results: Information, recommendations, and resources compiled and shared by ISTC can be used by the school district to address waste reduction, data collection, and diversion. Attendees of ISTC’s presentation will be able to advocate for waste reduction and management as important pieces of a carbon neutrality plan.
Other Projects with this Client (McKinstry): https://tap.istc.illinois.edu/category/mckinstry/