Purpose
The CAP is a framework for the development and implementation of actions that reduce the GHG emissions generated by schools within SAU 70 and provides guiding objectives and strategies to realize SAU 70’s GHG reduction targets. Individual CAPs have been written for all four schools in SAU 70, including Hanover High School (HHS), Richmond Middle School (RMS), Bernice A. Ray School (Ray School), and Marion Cross School (MCS).
By creating a clear course of action for reducing GHG emissions in each school, all stakeholders including students, staff, administrators, school boards, and community members can contribute to creating and achieving the climate and sustainability goals laid out in this plan. The SAU 70 CAP drives and coordinates efforts toward a reduction in GHG emissions by all schools of 16 percent below the 2022-2023 school year emission levels by 2030, and 75 percent below 2022-2023 school year emission levels by 2050 to be consistent with the GHG reduction goals of the State of New Hampshire. These targets are discussed further in section 4.
With each school having its own CAP, the school community is afforded the opportunity to develop their own knowledge, skills, and habits necessary to effect long-term change. This will also help individuals take ownership to change their habits and making decisions that will contribute to the goals in this CAP.
This SAU 70 CAP covers strategies for reducing GHG emissions resulting from operational activities associated with SAU 70. It addresses the major sources of emissions from SAU 70 and sets forth objectives and strategies in seven focus areas (i.e., emissions sectors) that both SAU 70 and the school communities can implement together to achieve GHG reductions:
- Building Energy
- Employee Commute
- Student Commute
- School Buses
- Solid Waste Generation
- Wastewater Generation
- Water Consumption