The U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools will recognize schools that save energy, reduce costs, feature environmentally sustainable learning spaces, protect health, foster wellness, and offer environmental education to boost academic achievement and community engagement. The recognition award is part of a larger U.S. Department of Education (Department) effort to identify and disseminate knowledge about practices proven to result in improved student engagement, academic achievement, graduation rates, and workforce preparedness, as well as a government-wide aim to increase energy independence and economic security.

The recognition award is the first comprehensive federal policy addressing the environmental impact, health and education of our schools. It lays out a thoughtful vision for schools, sets a high bar for success, and will raise the profile of individual green schools and the states that encourage them.

Green schools are critical to schools’ fiscal health and our nation's economy. Much needed improvements to school facilities create new jobs and save schools money. They prepare students to participate in the green economy, strengthen the nation's energy security and conserve precious natural resources.

Healthy behaviors, environmental education and green facilities are as vital to individual students as they are to the nation. High standards of nutrition, fitness and facility conditions improve student and staff health, attendance and productivity, and enhance achievement and engagement, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

As with the Blue Ribbon Schools recognition award, schools do not apply to the U.S. Department of Education but to state education agencies.  The Iowa Department of Education (IDE) will release information to public and non-public schools about the Green Ribbon Schools application process during October 2012.  Applications will be reviewed by the IDE who will submit up to four schools that meet the criteria for the Green Ribbon Schools program and representing the state of Iowa.  For more information about the program, contact Gary Schwartz, Facilities Consultant, phone 515-281-4743 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Application reviews will be based on the applicant’s demonstrated progress towards the goals of each of the three pillars.  Nominees demonstrating exemplary achievement in all three Pillars and every Element will be ranked highest.

Green Ribbon Schools Pillars and Elements

I. Environmental Impact and Energy Efficiency

• Reduced or eliminated greenhouse gas emissions, using an energy audit or emissions inventory and reduction plan, cost-effective energy efficiency improvements, conservation measures, and/or  and on-site renewable energy and/or purchase of green power;
• Improved water quality, efficiency, and conservation;
• Reduced solid and hazardous waste production, through increased recycling, reduced consumption, and improved management, reduction, or elimination of hazardous waste streams; and
• Expanded use of alternative transportation to, during and from school, through active promotion of locally-available, energy-efficient options and implementation of alternative transportation supportive projects and policies.

II. Healthy School Environments

• An integrated school environmental health program based on an operations and facility-wide environmental management system that considers student, visitor and staff health and safety in all practices related to design, construction, renovation, operations, and maintenance of schools and grounds; and
• High standards of nutrition, fitness, and quantity of quality outdoor time for both students and staff.

III. Environmental and Sustainability Education

• Interdisciplinary learning about the key relationships between dynamic environmental, energy and human systems;
• Use of the environment and sustainability to develop STEM content knowledge and thinking skills to prepare graduates for the 21st century technology-driven economy;  and
• Development of civic engagement knowledge and skills, and students' application of these to address sustainability and environmental issues in their community.

 Winners of the Green Ribbon, like Blue Ribbon Schools, may experience national and local press coverage, re-energized staff and parents, enhanced community support, increased application rates, and new private financial assistance. Winners will be invited to participate in national and local recognition ceremonies.

Application

 2012-13 Green Ribbon School Application

Additional Information

Website: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/green-ribbon-schools  

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EDGreenRibbonSchools