The nation’s public education sector includes 98,000 public school buildings, 2 million acres of land, and 480,000 school buses - the largest mass transit fleet in the country. Currently, school infrastructure earned a D+ on America’s infrastructure report card, but investments in schools can accelerate the transition to a clean economy, create good jobs now, and help advance a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable society.

During United for Infrastructure Week in May 2021, K12 Climate Action, the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association, Sierra Club, and World Resources Institute held a two-part event to learn about the opportunities to make school buildings, grounds, and transportation models for sustainability. Hear from infrastructure experts, community leaders, and policymakers from around the country over the course of two days.

Day 1:

• Welcome remarks by Secretary John B. King Jr. and Governor Christine Todd Whitman
• Keynote address by Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-03) of the House Committee on Education and Labor
• Expert panel on school buildings
  • Tim Cole, Virginia Beach City Public Schools
  • Wyck Knox, VMDO Architects
  • Tish Tablan, Generation180
  • Brian Kennedy, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers
  • Moderator: Rachel Golden, Sierra Club
• Keynote conversation with Mayor Francis Suarez of Miami and Rep. Carlos Curbelo
• Expert panel on sustainable school grounds and green schoolyards
  • Sadiya Muqueeth, Trust for Public Land
  • Kenneth Varner, Healthy Schools Campaign
  • Moderator: Laura Schifter, K12 Climate Action

Watch Day 2 Here