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[suh-stey-nuh-bil-i-tee]
NOUN
the quality of not being harmful to the
environment or depleting natural Visit the “home of the future”
resources, and thereby supporting
long-term ecological balance
Continued from page 1
The WaterShed facility is packed with hands-on experiences and shows how
“MCPS is
various systems can be integrated together to be more harmonic with the
committed to
surrounding environment while reducing the resources we rely on in
responsible
everyday life. It features:
environmental
stewardship. Solar panels with an electric vehicle carport;
Our students Smart thermostats;
and staff take A green roof system;
pride in our Vertical gardens and edible green walls;
conservation Constructed wetlands and native-plant landscaping;
efforts ... MCPS continues to be a
Storm-water and grey-water capture systems; and
leader in green and healthy-schools
Photovoltaic solar panels that generate up to 9.2kW each day.
initiatives and integrates
environmental literacy into the A visit to this interactive exhibit will allow your students to experience real-
curriculum and instructional life methods and benefits of sustainable living. I found the WaterShed to be
programs at all grade levels. These extremely interesting and I’m sure it will provide an awe-inspiring learning
actions not only help us to make our experience for all.
earth a better place to live, but The Pepco WaterShed Sustainability Center is located at 201 West Gude
more importantly, help to mold our
Drive in Rockville. It is open to the public for guided tours Monday through
students to be responsible
Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact the site manager, Scott Tjaden, at
environmental stewards and future
STjaden@pepcoholdings.com to schedule a free class visit. Your tour can be
leaders.” [Excerpt from the Interim
focused on your group’s interests and curriculum. Appointments are
Superintendent’s Letter, page 3]
required for groups.
If you haven’t yet read the MCPS
For more information about the WaterShed, visit http://www.pepco.com/
FY2016 Environmental Sustainability
community-commitment/watershed-sustainability-center/, https://
Management Plan, click here or on
mygreenmontgomery.org/2015/pepco-watershed-center-the-home-of-the-
the image above. We believe you’ll
future/, and http://www.umdrightnow.umd.edu/news/umds-watershed-
find it to be quite informative!
grows-roots-pepcos-rockville-facility.
DID YOU KNOW?
Last year, MCPS paid more than $36 million for utilities throughout the system. It
may shock you to realize just how much it costs to keep the lights on, the water
running hot, and the heat and air conditioning making everyone comfortable.
Our SERT facilitators, DJ Connelly and Jim Stufft, are now in the process of making
fall visits to schools. They have the “Did You Know?” sheets that show exactly how
much the electricity bill for your school was last year. If that figure makes your jaw drop, help us lower costs by doing
everything you can to conserve energy. Contact your SERT facilitator or visit our website for conservation ideas.
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OCTOBER 2016
