How to Apply
Wisconsin participates in the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) program and districts, schools (public/charter, private/independent), and early learning institutions are eligible to apply. Nominees must document achievement in reducing environmental impacts and costs, improving health and wellness, and increasing environmental literacy. Both quantitative and qualitative information will help share your school's story.
Green & Healthy Schools Wisconsin is the gateway to ED-GRS nomination. Interested applicants must submit the Green & Healthy Schools Wisconsin annual survey between August 15 - October 31. Qualified applicants will be invited to submit additional narratives by November 15 for consideration.
About
The U.S. Department of Education's Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) award is intended to recognize those schools taking a comprehensive approach to greening their school. A comprehensive approach incorporates and integrates environmental learning with maximizing positive environmental and health impacts. The award criteria are intended to focus on measurable outcomes wherever possible.
Criteria
Application reviews will be based on the applicant's demonstrated progress towards each of the three ED-GRS goals:
I. Reduced Environmental Impact and Costs
- 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; and
- Expanded use of alternative transportation, through active promotion of locally-available, energy-efficient options and implementation of alternative transportation supportive projects and policies.
II. Improved Health and Wellness
- 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. Effective 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.
Use the resources available at EEinWisconsin.org and from U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Program to start making your school greener and healthier!