LPS Sustainability supports the district and the community by implementing environmentally responsible practices and providing engagement opportunities for young environmental stewards.

Our Work

LPS Sustainability focuses on a variety of sustainable initiatives across categories including utilities and transportation, outdoor learning, and waste. All of our work is based on a foundation of engaging students, staff, and the Lincoln community with each of our sustainability initiatives. 

Lincoln Public Schools first adopted a Sustainability Policy in 2019, formalizing decades of effort in areas such as energy efficiency, recycling, and school gardens. The district’s Sustainable Building Guidelines ensure all construction projects on district sites uphold the same principles of environmental stewardship.

Recycling
In 2024, LPS diverted 56% of waste from landfills and recycled over 2.7 million pounds of material. Some of the materials recycled include paper, cardboard, plastic, aluminum, tin, and cartons.
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Composting
LPS composted over 1.1 million pounds of waste in 2024. Food scraps and organic waste are sorted and hauled to a local composting facility in order to be turned into a nutrient-rich amendment for soils.
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Energy
LPS uses ground source heat pumps for over 95% of district square footage. The heat pumps are connected to geothermal well fields and save energy and money. LPS is also making energy efficient upgrades including LED lighting, occupancy sensors, and building envelope updates.
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Water
LPS conserves water by irrigating less than 12% of its land. Water conservation and efficiency is a priority across our grounds and facilities. Many buildings are upgraded with high efficiency plumbing fixtures such as toilets, sinks, and water fountains.
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Transportation
LPS works to reduce vehicle emissions with our school bus fleet, staff fleet, and sustainable transportation resources for the community.
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Gardens & Outdoor Learning
LPS has dozens of school gardens and outdoor classrooms. Outdoor learning improves student health, behavior, and academic performance. These spaces allow students to connect with nature and grow anything from pollinator plants to produce!
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Trees
LPS has over 2,000 strong healthy trees that help fight climate change, increase local biodiversity, clean air, provide shade, and provide students with the opportunity to learn about and appreciate their natural environment.
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Key Resources

Click the icons below to access frequently used resources related to sustainability initiatives at Lincoln Public Schools. 

Sustainability Team

The LPS Sustainability Team supports and implements sustainability initiatives across the district.

You’ll find us all over town year-round, planting trees, speaking to students, checking in on cafeteria composting, and more!

Our team consists of two full-time employees and three student interns. Read more about each of our talented team members here.

Have a question for LPS Sustainability?

Send an email to sustainability@lps.org and we will be in touch!

Brittney Wees

Sustainability Coordinator

Ext. 82007

Alex Tunnison

Assistant Sustainability Coordinator

Ext. 82015

Latest Updates

We regularly publish feature stories highlighting the people and projects making a meaningful impact on sustainability within the district and the Lincoln community. Access the full archive to read even more Sustainability Updates!

Subscribers to our Sustainability Newsletter receive a monthly roundup of Updates, events, and other opportunities to connect with district sustainability initiatives.

Upcoming Events

Nothing planned yet!

In the meantime, follow us on social media and subscribe to our monthly newsletter to stay in the know.

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