D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 10-A, § 631
631.1 A key element of the District's environmental strategy is increased environmental education. This should begin with collaborative efforts between local nonprofits, the private sector, District and federal governments, and K-12 schools. The District's Sustainable DC Plan, Environmental Literacy Plan, and regional 2014 Chesapeake Bay Plan provide road maps for environmental education implementation. Aquatic and wildlife education programs instill appreciation of natural resources in youth and provide them with knowledge and skills that they may use later in life. Environmental education activities should continue with adult programs, professional development for teachers, and outreach to the business community on environmental quality issues. These programs should move Washington, DC beyond environmental awareness to increased stewardship and informed action. Furthermore, demonstration projects, such as those funded through the Sustainable DC Innovation Grant program, provide the means to introduce and experience innovative ideas and approaches and prepare the way for replication and upscaling.
631.2 Policy E-7.2.1: Sustainability Education in District Schools Expand programs to educate youth from preschool to high school about the importance of sustainability.
631.3 Policy E-7.2.2: Continuing Education on the Environment Encourage greater participation by residents, business owners, institutions, and public agencies in reaching environmental goals. This should be achieved through public education, community engagement, compliance assistance, and environmental enforcement programs.
631.4 Policy E-7.2.3: Interpretive Centers Support the continued development of environmental education and nature centers in the District, particularly in recovering habitat areas such as the Anacostia River shoreline.
631.5 Policy E-7.2.4: Demonstration Projects Encourage best practice guides, demonstration projects, tours, and other tools to create a culture where the green choice (i.e., the choice that results in greater energy efficiency, resiliency, sustainability, innovation, and better environmental health) is the preferred choice for energy, transportation, construction, and design decisions.
631.6 Policy E-7.2.5: Sustainable Purchasing Strengthen the District's Sustainable Purchasing Program through the addition of guidance in new product categories, making the resources more accessible, training more District employees on the use of the product specifications, and
making Environmentally Preferable Products and Services (EPPS) the default through District purchasing systems.
See also Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Policy PROS-2.2.8 on Stewardship of public space.
631.7
Develop partnerships with environmental nonprofits and advocacy groups to promote environmental education in the District. Examples of such programs include the Earth Conservation Corps effort to employ youth in environmental restoration along the Anacostia River; the Anacostia Watershed Society’s tree planting, clean up, and riverboat tour events; and the NPS summer programs for high school students at Kenilworth Park.
631.8
Continue to update guidance aimed at homeowners, builders, contractors, and the community-at-large with guidelines and information on green building and GI.
631.9
When modernizing all public school buildings, recreation centers, and libraries, reduce their environmental footprint and integrate sustainable and healthy practices into their operations. Continue to support District-wide schoolyard greening efforts and related programs and encourage public and charter schools to participate in schoolyard greening efforts.
SOURCE: District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; 31 DCR 1049 (March 9, 1984)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984 Land Use Element Amendment Act of 1984, effective March 16, 1985 (D.C. Law 5-187; 32 DCR 873 (February 15, 1985)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1989, effective May 23, 1990 (D.C. Law 8-129; 37 DCR 55 (January 5, 1990)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1989 NCPC-Recommended Amendments, and Closing of Public Alleys in Square 669, S.O. 88-452, Act of 1990, effective May 23, 1990 (D.C. Law 8-132; 37 DCR 2213 (April 6, 1990)); as amended by District Government Land Use Temporary Amendment Act of 1994, effective October 1, 1994 (D.C. Law 10-190; 41 DCR 5360 (August 12, 1994)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1994, effective October 6, 1994 (D.C. Law 10-193; 41 DCR 5536 (August 19, 1994)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984 Land Use Amendment Act of 1994, effective March 21, 1995 (D.C. Law 10-235; 42 DCR 30 (January 6, 1995)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 1996, effective April 18, 1996 (D.C. Law 11-110; 43 DCR 530 (February 9, 1996)); as amended by Second Technical Amendments Act of 1996, effective April 9, 1997 (D.C. Law 11-255; 44 DCR 1271 (March 7, 1997)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 1998, effective April 27, 1999 (D.C. Law 12-275; 46 DCR 1441 (February 19, 1999)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 1999, effective April 12, 2000 (D.C. Law 13-91; 47 DCR 520 (January 28, 2000)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2006, effective March 8, 2007 (D.C. Law 16-300; 54 DCR 924 (February 2, 2007)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 2008, effective March 25, 2009 (D.C. Law 17-353; 56 DCR 1117 (February 6, 2009)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2010, effective April 8, 2011 (D.C. Law 18-361; 58 DCR 908 (February 4, 2011)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2021, effective August 21, 2021 (D.C. Law 24-20; 68 DCR 006918 (July 16, 2021)).