Improving outdoor air quality is vital for protecting the health of students, staff, and the surrounding community. This START metric focuses on reducing outdoor pollutants caused by vehicle emissions, mobile sources like lawn care equipment, stationary sources such as on-site generators, and pesticide use. Schools that prioritize clean outdoor air not only contribute to public health but also serve as role models for environmental stewardship.
Outdoor air pollution is a global challenge: the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 99% of the world’s population breathes air exceeding WHO guidelines, with outdoor air pollution contributing to 4.2 million deaths annually (WHO). Schools, as centers of learning and community activity, are uniquely positioned to take proactive measures to reduce their contribution to outdoor air pollution, fostering a healthier environment for all.
Strategies for Improving Outdoor Air Quality
NOTE: This is not a prescriptive list; it just offers ideas to inspire action and can be tailored to fit the unique needs of each school.
Reduce Vehicle Emissions
Encourage walking, biking, carpooling, or using public transportation to reduce traffic near the school.
Establish no-idling zones for vehicles, including buses and parent drop-offs.
Transition to electric or hybrid school buses and staff vehicles.
Adopt Cleaner Lawn Care Practices
Replace gas-powered lawn care equipment with electric or manual alternatives.
Schedule outdoor maintenance during times when students are indoors to minimize exposure to emissions.
Optimize Stationary Sources
Replace or retrofit on-site generators with cleaner, energy-efficient models.
Use renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, to power stationary equipment where feasible.
Minimize Pesticide Use
Implement integrated pest management (IPM) practices to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides.
Use non-toxic or organic alternatives for landscaping and pest control.
Plant Trees and Green Buffers
Create green spaces with trees and vegetation around the school to filter air pollutants and improve air quality.
Use landscaping strategically to create natural barriers between school grounds and high-pollution areas like busy roads.
Monitor Air Quality
Install outdoor air quality sensors to track pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone levels.
Use data to inform decision-making and adjust practices as needed.
Educate the School Community
Raise awareness among students, staff, and parents about the importance of outdoor air quality.
Share tips for reducing pollution, such as avoiding idling and using eco-friendly products.
Encourage Alternative Transportation Options
Build safe bike paths and secure storage facilities to encourage cycling.
Partner with local transit authorities to provide discounted or free public transportation options for students and staff.
Review Procurement Practices
Prioritize purchasing low-emission or electric equipment for outdoor maintenance and transportation.
Choose materials and products with minimal environmental impact.
Advocate for Cleaner Community Practices
Collaborate with local government and organizations to improve air quality in the school’s surrounding area.
Support initiatives to reduce industrial emissions or improve local transportation systems.
‘How To’ Guides
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Best Practices for Reducing Near-Road Pollution Exposure at Schools
From the EPA, a guide to building design and operation strategies, transportation policies & roadside barriers to reduce pollution exposure.
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EPA's Idle-Free Schools Toolkit
The Idle-Free Schools Toolkit includes information needed to run an effective idling reduction campaign at a school to reduce student exposure to toxic vehicle exhaust.
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Clear the Air at School Poster
Graphics from ITurnItOff to promote no-idling:
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No Idle Zone Lesson (K-5th)
The "No Idle Zone" lesson for K-5th is from Grades of Green's LAUNCH Eco-Lessons. This engaging, step-by-step resource teaches students about the impact of car idling on air quality and health, empowering them to create "No Idle Zones" at their schools.
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Anti-Idling Campaign and Lesson (Ages 7-14)
The Anti-Idling Campaign resource is from the Transform Our World global initiative. Transform Our World is a global initiative that provides educators with resources, campaigns, and a platform to inspire students to take action on social and environmental challenges, fostering a sense of community and responsibility toward a sustainable future.
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The Idle Off Project
Idle Off is an Australian campaign focused on educating the public about the harmful effects of engine idling on the environment and health.
Additional Resources
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Affordable Zero Energy K–12 Schools: The Cost Barrier Illusion
From the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a report on the costs of renovations and energy efficiency upgrades versus long term savings.
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Schools hold the key to a healthy, sustainable and regenerative future.
They are role-models and incubators that that nurture, educate and prepare each generation for adult life.
Schools have a unique opportunity and profound responsibility to become part the transition to a sustainable, regenerative future in which people and planet can thrive.
But how do we get there?
START: Sustainability Tracking, Analytics & Roadmap Tool was created by schools, for schools, to help them develop comprehensive programs for step-by-step progress towards sustainability, regenerative practice, and student empowerment.
START provides a Roadmap for School Sustainability:
It breaks down school sustainability into clear actions (‘metrics’), such as Minimizing Waste, Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and supporting Sustainable Transportation options.
However, research shows it’s not enough for a school to simply reduce its environmental impact.
Students and staff also need to learn about sustainability, and practice it in day-to-day activities, because this impacts their attitudes and behaviors when they leave school. That’s why START includes metrics like Sustainability Events for Students, Sustainability Course Content, and Sustainable Purchasing Practices.
How sustainable is our school now?
Schools use START to measure how sustainable they are now. A school’s START team investigates how their school currently operates to find their ‘sustainability baseline’ for each metric. For example, is our school a beginner, intermediate or advanced in sustainable water use? START enables schools to benchmark, track and visualize their current sustainability levels, as well as hard data around their waste, water, energy and greenhouse gas emissions.
Where should we go next, and do we collaborate for success?
What do we need to do to ‘level up’ in each metric? Once schools have their baselines, START helps them to set goals and plan for progress. START provides a central hub for school members to collaborate, document, and plan their school’s sustainability journey.
TART is a subscription-based Whole School Sustainability dashboard.
It requires at least one adult school member to create a school’s START account, but it will need a team (students, teachers and staff) to grow a Whole School Sustainability program.
Interested schools can sign up for a demo or apply to set up an account.
Learn more about START here, and consider sharing the brochure with your school.
Let’s create a better future, one school at a time.
Contact us at guides@greenschoolsalliance.org if you have a free resource to contribute or recommend that can help schools take action around this specific sustainability metric.