The Portland Metro Chapter of Oregon Green Schools is a volunteer-based group focused on promoting sustainability in school design and operation and providing education for stakeholders and students. The contributions of our members support our initiatives including student engagement, educational cross-disciplinary panels, community networking events, and green schoolyards development.
The Portland Metro Chapter meets the 4th Friday of every month. Contact us for an invite.
Our Mission
The mission of the Portland Metro Chapter is to promote sustainability in school design and operation through advocacy and education of stakeholders about best practices for healthy and productive school facilities.
We work to achieve our mission through the following actions:
Connect the environmental performance of school communities to the curriculum and sustainability programs in schools.
Educate and connect school design and construction professionals to deliver and maintain high performance schools.
Educate school district leadership, facilities, administrators, educators, and students about the benefits of high-performance schools and how to procure and operate them.
Advocate for appropriate budget allocation to achieve technically sound, long-term sustainable strategies in all schools.
Who We Are
Natalie deFrance Dreyer - Chapter Chair
Emily Matis - Chapter Deputy Chair
Ari Ettinger - Student & Community Voices Coordinator
Liz Manser - School Construction and Funding Coordinator
Kina Voelz - Green Schoolyards Coordinator
Our 2023 Working Groups
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School Construction & Funding
Green schools start with healthy and efficient school facilities. As a chapter, we advocate for sustainable learning environments by providing resources for bond development and funding, and education for school design and operations. Our audience includes school board members, school district representatives, facility managers, and the AEC community.
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Student & Community Voices
We are committed to amplifying student voices and providing a platform for advocacy by students for a more sustainable world. Throughout the year we support student efforts, including the Portland Climate Strike, and provide listening and engagement sessions in person and online. We are always seeking ways to better support students to be changemakers for a healthier environment.
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Sustainable Design Education
The Portland Metro Chapter promotes education in sustainable design for professionals, stakeholders, and students. Our monthly chapter meetings are an opportunity for our members to learn from each other. Through hosting panel discussions and networking opportunities we are able to connect with our wider community. In partnership with the Architecture Foundation of Oregon, we work to advance sustainable curriculum and provide mentorship and career opportunities to students.
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Green Schoolyards
Access to the natural environment supports student health and wellness and is a key component of sustainable STEM education. The Portland Metro Chapter is committed to providing equitable access to the outdoors through reimagining what schoolyards can be and exploring opportunities to nurture natural space in school facilities. Through our partnership with Grow Portland, we create direct positive change in our school communities.
We are proud to have the support of our local community!
Learn more about our sponsors and collaborators!
Learn more about becoming a sponsor.