Carbon Free & Healthy Schools Hosts a Tour of the Kathleen Grimm School for Leadership and Sustainability

Climate Jobs New York's Carbon Free & Healthy Schools campaign hosted a group of labor leaders, union members, and elected officials on a tour of P.S. 62 Kathleen Grimm School for Leadership and Sustainability at Sandy Ground, the first net-zero energy school in New York City and one of the first in the nation. The Kathleen Grimm School was 100% union-built and its nearly 2,000 solar panels, underground geothermal wells, green roof technology, rainwater retention tanks, and other clean energy features make the school a shining example of how NYC public schools and buildings can be key tools to combat climate change.

Leaders and members from the coalition's affiliate unions – UFT, CSA, DC37, 32BJ, NYSNA, and the Building Trades – joined the tour to learn how their work had contributed to the school's successful construction and operational achievements. By advocating for NYC to apply the progress showcased by the Kathleen Grimm School to more city schools and buildings, we can create family-sustaining careers while also greatly reducing pollution and our reliance on fossil fuels. The Carbon Free & Healthy Schools campaign is seeking rapid implementation of solar installation on NYC public schools and estimates that nearly 45,000 jobs can be created with an associated savings of $8.25 billion in energy expenditures over the next 30 years. Read more here!