Step 2 -Green Camps Conservation Policy
Statement for commitment to Sustainability
_____ ________________________ is committed to the conservation of energy, water and resources we use in
the operation of our facility and programs. Thus, we have adopted the Green Camps Conservation Policy with
the objective of creating a framework for sustainable development and a culture that promotes our conservation
efforts. Using the guidelines of this policy, _______________________________ will educate its staff and
guests about our policies and the roles they will play in adhering to them.
Policy Goals
1. Establish the policy foundation of responsibilities, signage, education, performance measures and the like
to manage energy, water, waste use and conservation measures.
2. Manage the efficient use of energy, water and waste to the greatest extent possible while maintaining
safe and acceptable work conditions.
3. Achieve a reduction in energy, water and waste consumption based on number of camper days.
4. Incorporate conservation systems, devices, and design in renovations, replacements and new construction
in line with the commitment to sustainable development.
Responsibilities
Green Team
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Provides direction, counsel, and oversight as to implementation of the Green Camps Conservation Policy.
Reports to __________________________.
Communicate conservation goals and policies to staff and visitors.
Addresses questions of policy interpretation and adherence.
Researches and implements innovative tools and techniques to support energy, water and waste
conservation in pursuit of Green Camps Accreditation.
Executive Director
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Reviews and approves sustainability policies and proposals for the implementation of sustainable
initiatives.
Model the expectations outlined in the Green Camps Conservation Policy.
Connect with stakeholders to explain the economic, educational and economic benefits of sustainable
development.
Monitor energy and water bills for unusually high use and reduced consumption.
Research financial incentives and return on investments for sustainable development.
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Marketing
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Use social media and correspondence with your campers, parents, rental groups and local community to
highlight your commitment to sustainable development and the projected benefits it will bring to your
community
Utilize local news and media to highlight efforts and accomplishments.
Program Directors
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Learn and participate in conservation policies.
Ensure policies are being met within their program areas.
Advise Green Team of any circumstance that prevents adherence to the policies.
Provide feedback on the conservation policies from staff and visitors to Green Team.
Instructors/Counselors
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All staff are oriented to the conservation policies and sustainable systems.
Model behaviors outlined in the Green Camps Conservation Policy as an example to campers/visitors.
Advise a Green Team member of any circumstance that prevents adherence to the policies.
Bring forward ideas and suggestions to improve/build upon conservation opportunities.
Visitors (Campers, Rental Groups, etc.)
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Learn and participate in conservation policies.
Advise staff of any circumstance that prevents adherence to the policies.
Take conservation ideas and resources back to their home communities.
Support Staff (Kitchen Staff, Maintenance, Grounds)
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Learn and participate in conservation policies.
Understand your role in supporting conservation efforts in your work areas.
Provide feedback to Green Team about the challenges and successes of the conservation policies.
Kitchen Staff will reduce food waste through ordering practices and composting efforts.
Grounds staff will utilize sustainable landscaping techniques.
Education
Simply having policies will not result in changing the culture of camp conservation, rather we must educate the
staff and program participants to empower them with the knowledge and tools to influence change.
Consider the following education guidelines for employees and visitors and the best mode to communicate them.
Employee Education
The objective of educating your staff is to create a culture that accepts and supports the intent of sustainable
measures.
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Share statement of sustainability commitment with staff.
Why we practice sustainability
o Environment - To reduce our environmental impact
o Education - To use sustainable practices to teach visitors the benefits of sustainable development.
o Economy - To save money through more efficient and reduced consumption of resources
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Review Conservation policies during staff orientation and roles of staff participation.
Staff evaluation includes component about the effectiveness of conservation policies
Teach staff to explain your camps sustainability initiatives.
Incentives
o These may include contests, financial incentives, recognition of employees who demonstrate the
conservation ethic and the like.
Visitor Education
Educating your visitors about conservation policy should answer the questions of "So What" and create a culture
that accepts and supports the intent of sustainable measures.
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Written policy sent to group before arrival.
Visitor orientation includes an overview of the Green Camps Conservation Policy and sustainable systems.
o Visitors should understand their roles in supporting policies
Share statement of sustainability commitment during visitor orientation
o Please list each category/type of group that attends your facility and the method that will be
used to orient them.
 Ex. Weekend Groups - Site host outlines conservation policies during group orientation
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GCI signage are displayed to highlight each initiative
Optional Green Camps Scavenger Hunt with QR Codes
Signage
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Signage is one of the most powerful forms of education because the learner is empowered to generate
their own conclusions based on the information presented to them.
Create signage that will connect with your visitors to support and educate them about your conservation
policies.
Allow staff and campers to design signs for their cabins and to display in their homes.
Consider these examples of content to use in your signs.
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Quotes
Images
Statistics
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Stories
Articles
Jokes
Energy Conservation Policies
Temperature
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Agreed upon settings for thermostats is posted at all thermostats
o Suggested
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Comics
Cartoons
Equivalent Use
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 Summer = 74 - 77 F
Low ____ - High _____
 Winter = 68 - 71 F
Low ____ - High _____
o Include settings for
 Outside Normal Office Hours Low ____ - High _____
 Holiday Periods
Low ____ - High _____
Signage should explain temperature ranges and options for adjusting temperatures if the occupant is
uncomfortable.
Windows and exterior doors should be kept closed during the heating season and during the summer in
areas that are using mechanical cooling or window air conditioners.
Space Heaters
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Space heater operation includes the following
o Thermostat to turn off device when desired temperature is reached.
o Limited operating hours/timing device
o Space heaters should be turned off in un-occupied room
Lighting
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Turn lights off when room is unoccupied
Light bulbs are replaced with either cfl's or led's.
All outside lights will be turned off during daylight hours.
Technology
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Copy machines, laminating equipment, computers and other office machines will be turned off each night.
When upgrading equipment purchase Energy Star computers and monitors
Power management features engaged based on GCI recommendations
Water Conservation Policies
Restrooms
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Posted signs inform visitors how to notify maintenance of leaky faucets and pipes
Signage to inform guests how to report dripping faucets
Shower times are limited to
o ____ minutes for campers
o ____ minutes for staff
Faucets should be turned off when not in use.
Guests are encouraged to reuse shower towels.
Landscape
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Brooms will be used to clean patios, sidewalks and driveways. When necessary, use a high efficiency
pressure washer
Any watering of landscape should be done to maximize efficiently during times of low sun and wind.
Adjust watering system to minimize water runoff onto concrete surfaces.
When updating your landscape, utilize plants that are native your area.
Check all hoses, connectors and faucets regularly for leaks.
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Washing
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Vehicle washing is performed only as permitted by local watering restrictions. If performed, it is done
only with water conserving spraying devices rather than an open garden hose. Rain collection for vehicle
washing is pursued as feasible.
Laundry should only be run with a full load/match the water level to the size of the load.
Dishwasher should only be run with a full load.
Waste Policies
Food Waste
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Staff and guests are asked to "take what you can eat, eat what you take"
Staff and visitors make an intentional effort to reduce food waste and follow compost policies
Streamline ordering to ensure you don't order in excess.
Monitor what you throw away on a regular basis to influence the way you order and store food.
Plan meals around the products that are closest to their expiration dates.
Store foods in airtight containers to help keep them fresh longer.
Serve leftovers
Preserve produce by using end of peak produce for smoothies, soups etc.
Donate food that won't be used to a food kitchen.
Can fruits and vegetables so they'll last for months to come.
Both fruits and vegetables can be preserved through pickling.
Recycling
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Create a list of what items your local recycling centers will accept.
Separate Trash/Recycling Bins
Collection Centers
Paper
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Paper Waste
Double Sided Printing
Communication Policies with clients
Reduce need to print
Online registration
Use the Space Below to Brainstorm additional Conservation Policies
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