UCCS honored as U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School

UCCS was named a Green Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education April 22 in recognition of the university’s efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, improve health and wellness and ensure effective sustainability education.

UCCS was one of only 11 postsecondary institutions, 15 districts and 47 schools from across the nation honored.

“I am deeply appreciative of the recognition of the work by faculty, staff and students at UCCS,” Chancellor Pam Shockley-Zalabak said. “We are privileged to live and work in such a beautiful community and state. It’s important that we work now to preserve the future. ”

Linda Kogan, director, Office of Sustainability said: “The application narrative for UCCS started with a UCCS student, Brandon Bishop, and gathered input from numerous departments on campus including Recreation, Health and Wellness, STEM education, Environmental Health and Safety, the Compass Curriculum, Nutrition, student groups, and more. It’s comprehensiveness is a great testament to how many people are involved in sustainability whether they know it or not.”

U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. and Managing Director of the White House Council on Environmental Quality Christy Goldfuss announced the 2016 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools, District Sustainability Awardees, and Postsecondary Sustainability Awardees on the Department’s YouTube channel.

“I congratulate these schools, districts and postsecondary institutions for their commitment to sustainable facilities, health, and classroom practices,” King said. “The healthiest, most inspiring school facilities can and should be another tool to level the playing field, particularly for underserved students. These honorees are 21st century learning environments that encourage every student and teacher to perform at his or her best.”

The honorees were named from a pool of candidates nominated by 25 states, Washington, D.C., and the Department of Defense Education Activity. The honorees include 41 public schools and six private schools. The schools serve various grade levels, including 27 elementary, 18 middle, and 14 high schools, with several schools having various K-12 configurations. Fifty-one percent of the 2016 honorees serve a disadvantaged student body. The postsecondary honorees include two community colleges.

A list of all selected schools, districts, colleges, and universities, as well as their nomination packages, can be found here.