Michigan Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes, and EnergyThe Michigan Green Ribbon Schools (MI-GRS) announces honorees in spring (typically Earth Day) and receive a plaque, banner, invitation to State of Michigan Recognition Event(s), and may be nominated for the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools recognition. MI-GRS is a one-time award given per year, not a lifetime award. Once recognized, schools may continue to use the title with the year awarded (i.e., 2020 MI-GRS Honoree). Please note that the recognition award conveys no MDE funding to districts, schools, or IHEs. To be eligible for the state award, nominees must show progress in all the Pillars and Elements outlined below: Pillar I: Reduced Environmental Impact and Costs Reduced or eliminated greenhouse gas emissions, using an energy audit or emissions inventory and reduction plan, cost-effective energy efficiency improvements, conservation measures, and/or on-site renewable energy and/or purchase of green power; Improved water quality, efficiency, and conservation; Reduced solid and hazardous waste production through increased recycling and composting, reduced consumption, and improved management, reduction, or elimination of hazardous waste; and Expanded use of alternative transportation, through active promotion of locally available, energy-efficient options and implementation of alternative transportation supportive projects and policies. Pillar II: Improved Health and Wellness High standards of Whole School Whole Community, Whole Child health, including health, nutrition, and outdoor physical activity; and An integrated school environmental health program that considers occupant health and safety in all design, construction, renovation, operations, and maintenance of facilities and grounds, including cleaning and maintenance; mold and moisture; chemical and environmental contaminants; air quality and ventilation; and pests and pesticide. Pillar III: Effective Environmental and Sustainability Education Interdisciplinary learning about the key relationships between dynamic environmental, energy, and human systems; Use of the environment and sustainability to develop STEM content knowledge and thinking skills to prepare graduates for the 21st century technology-driven economy; and Development of civic engagement knowledge and skills and students' application of such knowledge and skills to address sustainability issues in their community. Field Name Description Year The year in which an institution has earned Michigan Green Ribbon Schools recognition Institution Name The name of the institution receiving recognition Institution City The city of the institution receiving recognition Institution Type The type of institution receiving recognition (options include Early Learning Center, School, District, or Institution of Higher Education) X The longitude of the geographical location of the institution receiving recognition Y The latitude of the geographical location of the institution receiving recognition Questions? Contact Michigan"s Green Schools Coordinator: Leanne Weber, MDE Science Education Consultant, MDE-ED-GRS@michigan.gov or visit the Michigan Green Ribbon Schools website .ArcGIS FeatureLayerhttps://hub.arcgis.com/datasets/cad2d400db984f59bdf6e35c9abfddd3_0engState of Michigan Open Data PortalPublicMichigan Green Ribbon Schools [Michigan]Web servicesMichiganLast Modified: 2025-07-24