There is a great initiative afoot that is changing the green schools movement and is helping to embed the concept of green schools into education “facilities speak” as we know it. That initiative is the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools (GRS) Program, which recognizes schools and school districts that are leading the way in efforts to reduce environmental impact and costs; to improve the health and wellness of students and staff; and to provide effective environmental and sustainability education.
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From left to right:Dennis Van Roekel, President, NEA;Rachel Gutter, Director, Center for Green Schools, USGBC; Christy Levings, Executive Committee Member, NEA |
This week, a total of 78 honorees—64 schools and 14 districts—from 29 States and the District of Columbia, were recognized for their exemplary work in the area of green, high performance school facilities. On hand to congratulate the honorees was NEA President Dennis Van Roekel, who provided remarks to the many of educators, students, and green schools professionals who attended a reception honoring the 2013 GRS recipients.
President Van Roekel, along with NEA Executive Committee Member Christy Levings, reinforced NEA’s support for the GRS program at the reception sponsored by the U.S. Green Building Council. While only in its second year, the GRS Program is paving the way for increased access to green schools for every student. Green, high performance schools offer a healthy, safe environment as well as one that promotes environmental literacy and stewardship.
To learn more about the Department of Education’s GRS Program, visit www2.ed.gov/programs/green-ribbon-schools/index.html. To learn how you can participate in a local community green schools service project, go to the USGBC’s Green Apple Day of Service website at www.mygreenapple.org/dayofservice.
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