The U.S. Department of Education – Andrea Suarez Falken
“Five years ago, I was tasked with developing what came to be called U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS). You may have heard of it. The recognition award is now known for honoring sustainable schools annually. What is a “green” or “sustainable” school, you ask? Well, we established a federal definition when we created the award. That federal education definition includes three broad areas that we call Pillars. Pillar I is ‘Reducing Environmental Impact and Costs‘, including waste, water, greenhouse gases, energy, and transportation. Pillar II is ‘Improving Health and Wellness‘, including physical activity, nutrition, and environmental health. Pillar III is ‘Teaching Effective Environmental and Sustainability Education.’ State education authorities voluntarily nominate up to five schools and school districts and up to one postsecondary institution each year to the U.S. Department of Education (ED). We announce the honorees on or near Earth Day and then invite them all to a special ceremony in Washington D.C. in the summer.”(more)