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AIA Advocacy to Feature Green Ribbon Schools Winners
By Stephanie Spear, Manager, Codes Advocacy

U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) is a federal recognition program that opened in September 2011. The first round of winners was announced in Spring 2012. Honored schools exercise a comprehensive approach to creating "green" environments through reducing environmental impact, promoting health, and ensuring a high-quality environmental and outdoor education to prepare students with the 21st century skills and sustainability concepts needed in the growing global economy.

"Schools that take a green approach cut costs on their utility bills, foster healthy and productive classrooms, and prepare students to thrive in the 21st century economy," said Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. "These Green Ribbon School award winners are taking outstanding steps to educate tomorrow's environmental leaders, and demonstrating how sustainability and environmental awareness make sense for the health of our students and our country."

There were 78 winning schools, seven of which were designed by AIA members. Those projects are:

Congratulations to all the winning projects, and we will be featuring some of the AIA member-designed projects throughout the month of September. These projects demonstrate the findings outlined in Local Leaders in Sustainability: Special Report from Sundance about the role architects should play in creating a healthy, sustainable space in the community. Stay tuned to the Issues & Advocacy page this month for project details as a part of this special feature.

Connect with more U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools resources.

Read all U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools blogs.

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