E=USE² (Education leads to Understanding Sustainability, Energy and the Environment) is a Fayette County Board of Education-approved program that provides students, administrators, faculty, staff and community partners with guidance to help make informed decisions about sustainable practices and environmental efficiency for the well-being and benefit of the Lexington-Fayette County community.

The program aims to educate building occupants and the community about sustainable habits and energy efficiency while using our school facilities and learning labs.

Each participating school creates an E=USE² team consisting of at least three students, an administrator, a building support person (campus foreman or head custodian), at least one teacher, at least one parent and a community sponsor.

The E=USE² program manual provides the framework and “how to” of the program, and an FCPS energy manager is always available to help. However, the level of success relies heavily on each team and its commitment. Each team will receive recognition and a monetary award at the end of the school year, depending on the level of participation.

Resources

• Manuals for E=USE², composting and rain gardens
• National Energy Education Development Project (NEED)
• Kentucky Green & Healthy Schools

(Logo designed by graphic arts student Jerrica Campbell of Henry Clay High School, Class of 2011)