The Carbon Zero Youth Initiative, Inc. (CZYI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the next generation of sustainability leaders by developing outreach resources, and conducting interactive presentations.
Founded in 2023, CZYI grew out of a Girl Scout troop's advocacy project (see Our Story) about sustainable construction materials and practices. Today, the CZYI focuses on introducing youth to the importance of sustainable materials, circularity, waste management, green building, and the many career pathways that support a more sustainable future.
CZYI advances its mission through two related program areas:
1. Buildy Green: Outreach Tools for Better Buildings
CZYI develops books, activities, and other educational resources that help professionals working towards greener buildings and sustainable materials share the importance of their work with young people and highlight related careers. Buildy Green resources, including a classroom slides version of the Buildy Green, It Takes a Team book and other outreach activities and handouts are available for download free of charge for educators and green building professionals as part of our global educational mission
2. Interactive Youth Sustainability Outreach Programs
CZYI also develops and delivers live interactive outreach programs and supporting print materials to introduce youth to key sustainability themes, including recycling, sustainable materials, green building, and the power of conscious consumer choices. In-person school outreach assembly presentations are available for schools in Dane County, Wisconsin.