Tag Archives: High Performance Schools

Nineteen schools in the region awarded Nation’s first Green Ribbons

Posted on April 24, 2012 by sjonesneep| Leave a comment

Imagine if your school saved thousands of dollars on utility costs by cutting down on energy, harvested vegetables from its “lasagna garden” for school lunch, or fueled its buses with discarded cooking oils from local restaurants. Schools across the US are doing this and more – and have been honored for the first time by the Department of Education’s Green Ribbon School Awards program for their innovative “green” approach to education.

Secretary of Ed. Arne Duncan and students at Green Ribbon Schools Winners Announcement

On a morning visit to a DC school this Monday, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced the first ever winners of the Green Ribbon School Awards. Schools received Green Ribbons for implementing a strong, holistic approach to being “green” – these schools save energy, foster healthy school environments, and have strong environmental education programs.   Nineteen of the 78 winning schools came from the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

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Opting out of Green Ribbon Schools, but the need to showcase and celebrate persists

Posted on December 15, 2011 by sjonesneep| Leave a comment

For champions of the green schools movement, the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools award program –now in its pilot year—is an exciting opportunity to gain national recognition for years of hard work transforming the way we design, build, and operate schools.  Thirty three states, the District of Columbia and the Bureau of Indian Education have opted into the program and plan to nominate schools this January with a goal of announcing winners in April. The Mid Atlantic is strongly represented in this pack vying for an award; states such as Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey and New York plan to participate.

In New England, however, Rhode Island is currently the only state to step forward as a contender. Continue reading →

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School’s Back in Session – Working Together to Save Energy, Cut Costs & Keep Students Healthy!

Posted on September 22, 2011 by neepenergy| Leave a comment

Student Recycling Station at the Manchester Essex School

Students and teachers hit the ground running in September, sometimes without noticing all of the improvements made to the school building over the summer months by facilities staff.  This fall, many schools will have new lights, new boilers, new or cleaner ventilation systems, maybe even a more comprehensive recycling program in place.   Not only should students and teachers be made aware of these improvements, but they can take an active role in sustaining healthy energy efficient schools. Getting students and teachers involved in the operations of the school helps save money in tough economic times, but it also teaches kids lifelong lessons about energy and climate science. Continue reading →

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ENERGY STAR for Buildings – Are we designing buildings that perform?

Posted on July 22, 2011 by sjonesneep| Leave a comment

Kinard Junior High School, Fort Collins, CO

When we walk into an office building or a school for the first time, it’s always nice to see the familiar blue ENERGY STAR plaque in the lobby.  It represents a commitment to energy efficiency –the tracking and assessment of utility bills and the ongoing maintenance of energy-using systems.  Buildings that achieve the EPA’s ENERGY STAR plaque are identified as top performers in their field –they have submitted detailed information proving that their building outperforms at least 75% of buildings in their class. Those that qualify for ENERGY STAR certification receive a score of 75 or above on a scale of 1-100.  Those that fall below 75 have more work to do.

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