New report outlines BPS initiatives and efforts to ensure Barrington remains a healthy and resilient community
BARRINGTON, RI – From student-led “Green Teams,” to environmental-friendly policies, to planned future facilities upgrades District-wide, to engagement with the state’s largest rooftop solar project, Barrington Public Schools today released a new Report highlighting its efforts to minimize environmental impact, while building climate resilience, promoting student health and learning, and improving school facilities.
“Our District has invested in many sustainable and resilient efforts over the years that help minimize our environmental impact,” said School Committee Chair Patrick McCrann. “This Report is a reflection of the deep commitment of Barrington Public Schools to our community, today and tomorrow. As we continue to prioritize the learning needs of our students, we are also continuing to take important steps that improve our environmental footprint, sustainability, and overall cost-savings for years to come.”
Specifically highlighting school construction decisions and approaches, the Climate Resilient and Sustainable Schools Report clarifies the intentional ways Barrington Middle School (BMS) was built to underscore environmental sustainability. After thorough research and professional consultation, solar panels were never part of the official BMS project or the construction design plans due to the significant financial burden they would place on taxpayers. As a strategic and eco-friendly alternative, the District entered into a net metering project joining the Towns of Bristol and Barrington in a long-term purchase agreement with Rhode Island’s largest rooftop solar project, with power generated in East Greenwich. This alternative to owning or leasing solar achieves solarization for the entire District, provides financial incentives through tax credits that help offset monthly costs, and results in approximately $5,000 in monthly cost savings for the District.
Beyond the Middle School, to ensure educational equity and make needed improvements to aging school facilities, BPS is participating in the Rhode Island Department of Education’s (RIDE) multi-stage eligibility process for school construction and state aid. The District’s Stage II application, submitted to RIDE in February 2024 and approved in May 2024, merges strategic planning, resilient design, and cost-efficient environmental choices to align school infrastructure with the evolving demands of 21st-century education and Barrington’s community needs. These efforts range from lowering energy use at school buildings (2.5-3x more energy efficient than seen today), to modifications to roofing and building infrastructure systems, to outdoor site enhancements.
In addition to facilities upgrades, the new Report emphasizes practices in all six District schools – embracing community stewardship that reduce the District’s environmental footprint and address community challenges. Examples include District-wide recycling programs, robust school-based composting programs, student-led “Green Teams” that divert food waste while enhancing recycling, composting, and community donation efforts, waste-reduction initiatives, eco-friendly extracurricular activities for students, and more.
To read the full report, visit: bit.ly/bpsclimatereport
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