USGBC Colorado supports Green Ribbon Schools Program

The U.S. Green Building Council Colorado has donated a $500 grant to support the winners of the Colorado Green Ribbon Schools Program when they travel to Washington, D.C., to participate in a national recognition ceremony.

Each year, Colorado can nominate up to four schools and one district for recognition in the program, which honors America's public and private elementary, middle and high schools for their efforts toward improving student health and achievement and reducing their environmental impact. This year’s honorees will be announced by the U.S. Department of Education at the recognition ceremony on April 22.

"USGBC Colorado’s goal is to green Colorado's schools within a generation, and the Department of Education's Green Ribbon Schools Program is a wonderful way to recognize and promote healthy and sustainable schools in Colorado," says USGBC Colorado Associate Director Patti Mason. "We hope USGBC Colorado's donation will inspire others in our community to support this worthy cause."

Green Ribbon Schools sets a standard of excellence for all schools to become energy efficient and healthy learning spaces that provide environmental education. National studies and existing green schools programs indicate that the benefits of the Green Ribbon Schools program will include increased energy cost savings, improved student and staff health and productivity, enhanced critical thinking skills, improved student performance, reduced behavioral problems and increased student engagement, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

Contact Confluence Denver Development News Editor Margaret Jackson with tips and leads for future stories at margaret@confluence-denver.com.