NYC Department of Education, Office of Sustainability

The DOE Office of Sustainability (DOE Sustainability) seeks to transform the NYC Department of Education into a more sustainable and efficient public entity regarding facility operations and student environmental education. Located within the Division of School Facilities, the Office engages both facility and pedagogical staff, including the DOE Offices of STEM, Wellness, Career and Technical Education, and District 75 to integrate programs into existing structures while also creating new education opportunities. The Office also partners with a diverse array of organizations to provide curriculum and programming to students and educators.

Our mission:

DOE Sustainability drives transformative change in all NYC schools through resources and programs that increase efficiency of facilities, address environmental impacts, and aim to provide all stakeholders with opportunities for action.

Education is integral to our work to deliver purposeful and comprehensive stakeholder engagement, greater climate resiliency, expanded climate literacy, and opportunities for student empowerment to better ensure social equity and a healthy environment for all generations.

Our commitments:

• Improving school building environments by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, maximizing waste diversion and creating green spaces that optimize learning outcomes and contribute to healthy communities.
• Empowering our diverse school communities through inclusive and equitable engagement to create positive, sustainable changes.
• Creating meaningful learning experiences for all stakeholders regardless of prior knowledge—recognizing that systemic change is best accomplished through developing coalitions and communities.
• Developing new approaches, partnerships, and implementing technologies to drive school facility improvements and address dynamic community needs in a changing climate.