The 12th annual Green Schools Conference kicks off in less than two months in the inspiring city of New Orleans on Feb. 27 and runs through March 1. Learn more about many of the exciting and unique happenings at this year’s event, and register today to join us for the fun!
Explore New Orleans sustainability
There is so much to explore in New Orleans, including city parks, green buildings and sustainability projects taking place around the city. Before the conference starts on Feb. 27, get out and explore the best the Crescent City has to offer:
- Participate in a pre-conference workshop on zero waste, led by TRUE rating system staff and hosted at the Sacred Heart Academy, a 2022 Green Ribbon Schools award honoree.
- Join the USGBC Louisiana community for a tour of the Louisiana Children’s Museum, a LEED Gold and 2022 AIA COTE Top 10 award–winning project from 8:30–10:30 a.m. Register with discount code GSCLCM.
- Bike or hike the Lafitte Greenway independently or join Friends of Lafitte Greenway and Sprout Nola in the morning for a green infrastructure tour and outdoor service project before the conference starts.
- The conference venue, the Sheraton New Orleans, is located along Canal Street. Use the trolley or public transportation routes, or take advantage of the City of New Orleans Bike Share program to get around town.
Engage with unique content during Peer Cohort tracks
For the first time this year, attendees will participate in one of four self-selected Peer Cohort tracks, based on their professional roles. This peer-to-peer content is expertly curated with dedicated time to share challenges, workshop solutions, and exchange ideas and strategies.
- Educators and School Leaders: Through focused discourse and tours of schools across the city, participants will explore how to use the GreenPrint framework’s four impact systems to achieve healthy, equitable and sustainable schools.
- School District Capital and Facilities Staff: Leveraging the incredible sustainability progress taking place in the nation’s school districts, attendees will workshop and share challenges and successes in advancing effective partnerships, zero carbon buildings, indoor air quality, outdoor learning, zero waste and climate action planning.
- School Design and Construction Professionals: Attendees will enjoy presentations and lively dialogue on hot topics including sustainability and safety, embodied carbon, the future of LEED, and the design community’s role in leading change for greener schools.
- Green School Advocates, Government and Community Partners: Sessions will feature deep dialogue and activities aimed at strengthening the green school’s movement with a focus on equity, climate resilience and systems change.
Photo credits (left to right): Louisiana Children's Museum, Tim Childers, Richard Spragg.
General sessions, awards and networking events
- Get to know other attendees at the annual Friends and Family Event, hosted by the Green Schools National Network on Monday, Feb. 27 from 6–7:30 p.m.
- On Tuesday, Feb. 28, find inspiration in the lineup of speakers during our general session, including New Orleans Public Schools superintendent Avis Williams, Ph.D., New Orleans Public Schools chief operating officer Tiffany Delcour and New Schools for New Orleans chief executive officer Dana Peterson.
- Interdisciplinary sessions on March 1 will follow a welcome from Mayor LaToya Cantrell and a thought-provoking keynote presentation from author and public speaker Charles Eisentein.
- The March 1 awards luncheon promises to deliver more inspiration as we present this year’s Best of Green Schools winners and highlight each recipient’s work to drive change for more sustainable schools.
- The GSC EXchange is a one-stop destination for attendees to foster connections with one another and with vendors representing the industry. The EXchange will also host the evening networking and closing receptions, with an expertly curated menu of drinks and appetizers to celebrate what we learned and deepen connections that we made.
- Expand your horizons and network with a complimentary expo hall pass to the Association of Energy Services Professionals (AESP) conference, taking place Feb. 28 and Mar. 1 just across the street from the Sheraton New Orleans.
The 2023 Green Schools Conference is full of great opportunities to learn new skills, connect with peers, share challenges and successes, swap resources, and gather inspiration to continue the important work of greening Americas schools. You don’t want to miss this opportunity for reflection, reconnection and rejuvenation!