BELLINGHAM, WA. – Bellingham Public Schools announced their new Climate Action Plan.

Superintendent Greg Baker said he officially accepted the plan on Wednesday, September 27th, after a year of development.

The district’s plan is separated into three areas of focus: facilities and operations, teaching and learning, and habits and culture.

Its goals in the coming years include developing a water management plan and implementing waste systems to reduce its school’s environmental impacts.

Baker says the district must move with urgency given recent climate issues such as wildfires and the drought.

Bellingham Public Schools were recently recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy as a national leader in improving energy efficiency and student health.

Their announcement of the plan coincides with Climate Action Week in Bellingham.