Featured Activity: ED Green Ribbon Schools

Last Tuesday July 22, over 300 individuals gathered on Capitol Hill in celebration. Among the crowd were school, district, and state leaders, as well as many of their members of congress. It is no small feat to bring such a notable and diverse group together, but this was no small celebration.

The reception was held in recognition of this year’s Department of Education 2014 Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) honorees. In all, 48 schools and nine school districts from 27 states were awarded the honor.

“The honorees represent institutions that are leading the way in the green schools movement, proving that being green is both achievable and valuable.”

The ED-GRS award honors public and private schools and school districts that are exemplary in three pillars: reduced environmental impact and costs, improved health and wellness, and effective environmental education. The program has set a national standard for green schools, and is recognized for its comprehensive and accessible approach to school sustainability. But above all, the honorees represent institutions that are leading the way in the green schools movement, proving that being green is both achievable and valuable.

This year’s honorees join a special group. Over the course of three years, more than 200 schools and school districts have been awarded the honor. With the program entering its fourth year, we look forward to again being inspired by successes of schools from across the country.

To see photos from the event visit: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/easdfpv9ett7tj9/AAA7HSyNjBH5GDieijyWyUoma

The US Department of Education has compiled a document which profiles each of this year’s honorees. Download it here: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/green-ribbon-schools/highlights-2014.doc

For more information about the ED-GRS, visit their website: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/green-ribbon-schools/index.html