New York City Public Schools Celebrates Earth Day And Climate Action Day 2026, Highlighting Major Sustainability Milestones Across Schools

NEW YORK, NY - New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) today celebrates Earth Day 2026 alongside its quarterly Climate Action Day, recognizing the collective impact of students, educators, and staff in building greener, more resilient schools across the five boroughs.

Today's NYCPS Climate Action Day theme - Health, Wellness, and Green Space - highlights the critical role schools play in supporting climate education, promoting healthier environments, and transforming school campuses into welcoming, sustainable community spaces.

"Climate change is already shaping the lives of New Yorkers in every borough. And while young people didn't create this crisis, they must be prepared to confront it. That means we have a responsibility to give them the tools to understand it, and the power to change it," said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. "Across our public schools, students are learning, organizing, and imagining a more just and sustainable city, in buildings that must meet that same standard. This Earth Day, I'm grateful to the students, educators, and school leaders who are doing this work-and I'm committed to making sure our city meets their urgency with meaningful action toward a cleaner, greener future."

Climate education is fundamental to our planet's future, and solutions can start in our schools," said Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels. "This morning, I had the joy of planting trees with elementary students at PS.14 in Queens and hearing what climate change means to them. Their passion was a powerful reminder that no one is too young to get engaged, stay informed, and lead by example. This year, NYCPS has much to celebrate in this field, from installing more than 50 domestic hot water heat pumps that reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, expanding curbside composting to every K-12 school across the system, and over 1,100 school visits providing technical assistance on a variety of sustainability initiatives. Together, let's continue building a greener, brighter future for all."

Some key highlights include:

Powering Change through Energy Management

As the largest school system in the nation, NYCPS continues to make significant strides in reducing greenhouse gases across its more than 1,500 buildings and 165 million square feet of space.

• Enrolling over 500 buildings in Demand Response: with 66 new buildings in process for this year, NYCPS continues to strengthen its ability to lower emissions, improve electric grid reliability, and generate cost savings that are reinvested in schools. Demand Response directly supports preparedness for heat and cold emergencies.

• Completing energy efficiency projects: 373 LED lighting upgrades completed and 195 more underway, advancing towards the goal of 800 buildings.

• Real-time energy tracking: 695 meters installed plus 80 more coming this year, providing near-instant energy usage data to improve efficiency and grid reliability.

• Electric heating systems: more than 50 domestic hot water heat pump installations are completed, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

• NYCPS solar projects account for over 80% of the City's progress toward clean energy goals.

Reducing Waste to Send Less to Landfills

NYCPS operates the largest school composting program in the nation and continues to expand waste reduction initiatives.

• Curbside Composting is now available in all K-12 schools citywide during the school year and Summer Rising.

• Recycling investments: $386,474 provided to 119 schools to support proper waste sorting in 2025-2026.

• Waste containerization: Worked with DSNY to install large bins on the street outside 28 school buildings across Manhattan and Brooklyn.

• Food waste prevention: 32 schools piloting "Mindful Choice Meals" to reduce cafeteria waste with Cafeteria Culture.

• Ongoing initiatives including Plastic Free Lunch Days, Share Tables, and food donation programs.

NYCPS' green mission goes beyond buildings and Earth Day through daily actions - it's about transforming communities through steady actions every day. NYCPS continues to catalyze and foster a culture of sustainability and climate action.

• Climate Action Days: now in its third year, with four targeted days of schoolwide learning around waste, water, energy, and health wellness and green space. 1,206 schools participated in 2024-2025, with over 9,000 students joining the kickoff sessions this school year.

• Teacher Leadership: 520 educators trained at the 2026 Mid-Winter Climate Institute through 48 workshops, many led by teachers. Over 1,300 educators participated in sustainability-focused professional learning events this year!

• Climate education leadership: NYCPS supported teacher and student-led advocacy efforts that contributed to the new New York State climate education requirement beginning fall 2027.

Preparing Students for Green Careers

NYCPS is always looking for ways to engage students in the green economy and strengthen our key community partnerships.

• NYC Solar Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program: serving 17 high schools and celebrating its 10^th year in partnership with Solar One.

• School outreach and support: over 1,100 school visits conducted in 2025-2026 to provide technical assistance on sustainability initiatives.

• Green space and environmental learning: 25 trees to be planted in Spring and Fall 2026 at four District 24 schools in partnership with NYC Parks. 54 students participated in wetland restoration learning experiences at Hook Creek Park and Idlewild Park.

Looking Ahead:

NYCPS continues to invest in student voice, leadership, and real-world climate action.

Between now and the end of this school year, be on the lookout for:

• Sustainability Project Grants: 359 schools awarded $1,669,489 in 2025-2026 with the goal of over 400 schools next academic year. Since 2016, over 800 schools have received more than $6 million in funding and materials. The next grant cycle will open mid-May to support projects in the 2026-2027 school year.

• Youth Climate Summit: expanding June 10-11 on Governors Island with a goal of 1,000 middle and high school student participants. This is planned and led by student members of the Youth Leadership Council.

Through continued investment in clean and efficient energy, waste reduction strategies, climate education, and student leadership, NYCPS is making strides towards a healthier, more sustainable future for all New Yorkers.

About New York City Public Schools

New York City Public Schools is a testament to the history and impact of urban education in the United States. With over 1,600 schools spread across five boroughs, the system is made up of approximately 1 million students and staff, making it the largest public school system in the nation and a key center of sustainability. From transforming building operations to providing environmental education opportunities to all students, schools serve as living laboratories for climate solutions and leadership. These schools employ more than 75,000 teachers who deliver a rich tapestry of educational experiences to a student body that reflects the city's vibrant and diverse cultural heritage. This network of educational institutions represents not just the scale of New York City's commitment to public education, but also its dedication to fostering a learning environment that is as dynamic and diverse as the city itself.

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