Michigan Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes, and EnergyThe U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) announces honorees in spring (typically Earth Day) and receive a plaque, local recognition, and an invitation to the national ceremony held in Washington, D.C. each summer. ED-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 ED-GRS Honoree). Please note that the recognition award conveys no ED funding to states, districts, schools, or IHEs. To be eligible for the federal 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. Questions? Contact the Michigan's ED-GRS 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/d167ab3d221844998066cbe96436a036_1engState of Michigan Open Data PortalPublicU.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools [Michigan]Web servicesMichiganLast Modified: 2025-09-04