The award looks for schools to embody three elements of sustainability (organized into pillars):

• The first pillar refers to a school’s environmental impact and the associated costs. This can be measured using metrics such as GHG emissions, water usage, energy usage, indoor air quality, etc. Schools should also look at their waste production and how it is handled. Finally, schools should promote energy-efficient modes of transportation via renewable sources (electric buses), safer walking routes, and increased access to bikes.
• The second pillar looks at a school’s impact on student health and well-being. This area focuses on nutrition, physical education, counseling, and an improved sense of community in school and at home. Schools can improve their building design and integrate environmental health programs into the classroom.
• Finally, the third pillar highlights the importance of effective environmental and sustainability education. Understanding the trends of the 21st century, it is critical that students become active leaders in the climate change movement. Sustainability is fundamental across all subjects and Green Ribbon Schools exemplify what it means to incorporate this interdisciplinary learning. These schools emphasize STEM education and work to mold global citizens that stand for justice and social equity.
  

Each state and territory may nominate up to 5 pre-k – 12 schools and 1 university/ college for the award annually. 

Pathways to Green Schools – PA Department of Education

Pennsylvania’s Department of Education created the Pathways to Green Schools program to facilitate an easier journey for schools looking to attain Green Ribbon status. The program splits the pillars up and helps schools work through them one at a time, providing recognition at each step in order to incentivize progress. Specifically, each pillar has a page on the PA Department of Education website with dozens of links to resources, organizations, and programs that can help districts improve. Once an institution has completed all three pillars, the state nominates them as a finalist for the national award.

Pennsylvania’s Department of Education also recognizes schools and higher-level institutions that engage in work revolving around agriculture, climate change, environmental justice and literacy, equity, sustainability, and recycling.

At the school level, sustainable education and healthy learning environments should not be a competition. There is a general understanding that collaboration is the only equitable way to ensure that every school can become green, every student can have a healthy place to learn, and that nobody gets left behind.

Healthy Schools Recognition Program – WHE

Women for a Healthy Environment (WHE) is a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit aimed at educating communities about the environment. They work to mitigate the risks associated with human health, advocate for more sustainable solutions, and create healthy living and learning environments for students.

To help schools attain Green Ribbon status, WHE created the Healthy Schools Recognition Program. Using a Whole-School Sustainability Framework, the Recognition Program comes with a report card that helps show a school district’s progress over the years. Much like the three pillars of the Green Ribbon Schools program, Healthy Schools focuses on the physical learning environment, the educational program, and the organization’s culture involving sustainability. The checklist report card facilitates progress but also gives schools ideas for sustainable projects.

A Case Study: Spring Ford Area School District

In 2022, Spring Ford Area School District was the only K-12 district in Pennsylvania awarded as a Green Ribbon School. For every winner, the US Department of Education publishes a report detailing the highlights of each institution. Key sustainability strategies that Spring Ford implemented include:

• Installation of a geothermal HVAC
• Limited school bus idling
• LED lighting upgrades
• Energy Conservation policy and adoption of Guaranteed Energy Savings Project
• Partnership with PECO Smart Energy Usage Tool for accurate and automatic energy use tracking
• Use of healthy cleaning products and custodial staff training
• Mass recycling
• Installation of low flow toilets and water filling stations
• Daily, comprehensive cleaning with HEPA-filtered vacuums
• Use of CMMS preventative maintenance management system and routinely inspecting HVAC equipment for improved indoor air quality
• Annual IEQ inspections with an environmental consultant
• Implementation of STEM, conservation, and sustainability curricula at all levels
• RamQuest program for students K-6, which provides students with authentic, hands-on tasks for solving sustainability issues
• Creation of outdoor learning spaces such as their Memorial Arboretum, 7th Grade Center Courtyard, and Limerick Outdoor Classroom
• Organization of student clubs focused on sustainability

Read the full report published by the US Department of Education detailing Spring Ford School District’s highlights (PDF).

How Can My School Get Involved?

If your school would like to begin working towards a Green Ribbon Award, becoming a Property Partner in the Pittsburgh or Erie 2030 District is a great way to begin proactively managing energy and water, as well as training building operators in sustainable building management.

The 2030 District is a free and confidential program that has been helping building owners and managers for more than a decade to collectively reduce energy use and water use by 50% while also improving indoor air quality. Becoming a Property Partner provides schools with free access to Green Building Alliance’s 2030 team for one-on-one support, cohort learning, and customized plans for energy reduction, water reduction, and improved air quality – all of which can support a pathway to becoming a Green Ribbon School.

Further Reading

District Sustainability Award Nominee Presentation Form: Spring Ford Area School District

Healthy School Recognition Program – Women for a Healthy Environment

Pathways to Green Schools: Promoting Green and Sustainable Schools in Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania Department of Education

Pillar One: Reduced Environmental Impact – Pennsylvania Department of Education

Pillar Two: Positive Impact on Student and Staff Health – Pennsylvania Department of Education

Pillar Three: Effective Environmental and Sustainability Education – Pennsylvania Department of Education