The U.S. Department of Education today, May 4, 2017, released the names of the 2017 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools, District Sustainability Awardees, and Postsecondary Sustainability Awardees. Across the country, 45 schools, nine districts, and nine postsecondary institutions are being honored for their innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, improve health and wellness, and ensure effective sustainability education.

The Keene State College story traces a strong, and deepening, commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability, and health and wellness in all phases of campus life and the community. Through the years, the school's initial green efforts - well-intentioned, but less than systemic - have evolved into a comprehensive vision with strong buy-in from school leadership, faculty, and students.

"We are pleased Keene State College is being recognized among the schools in the country that are achieving cross-cutting goals for education, including improving student, staff, and facility performance as well as efficiency at the federal, state, and local levels," said Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Education, Frank Edelblut. "This is a testament to the hard work being done by students, parents, educators, and everyone who plays a role in the education of our children. We are extremely proud to have Keene as a Green Ribbon School."

The U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) recognition award honors schools that are exemplary in reducing environmental impact and costs; improving the health and wellness of students and staff; and providing effective environmental and sustainability education, which incorporates STEM, civic skills and green career pathways. The recognition award is part of a larger U.S. Department of Education (ED) effort to identify and disseminate knowledge about practices that are proven to result in improved student engagement, higher academic achievement and graduation rates, and workforce preparedness, as well as a government wide goal of increasing energy independence and economic security.

For more information about the US Department Green Ribbon Schools go to https://www2.ed.gov/programs/green-ribbon-schools/index.html. Highlights from Keene State College can be found at www.education.nh.gov/news/green-ribbon-keene.htm#highlights.


Posted 5/8/17