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Deadline Fast Approaching for Schools to Enter the Green Ribbon School Competition

Release Date: 02/07/2012
Contact Information: Donna Heron 215-814-5113/[email protected]

PHILADELPHIA (February 7, 2012) -- EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin is encouraging all schools in the mid-Atlantic region to get recognized for their environmental achievements by entering the Green Ribbon School Competition.

The deadline for the new pilot award program, created by the U.S. Department of Education and supported by EPA, is March 22 but all applications must be sent to the individual state Department of Education by February 23, 2012. Each participating state may nominate up to four of their highest performing schools that meet the criteria for recognition: environmental impact and energy efficiency, healthy environment and environmental literacy. The U.S. Department of Education will select one winning school in each participating state.

"This is a great opportunity for schools to brag about their efforts to save energy, reduce costs, create healthy environments for their students and improve student and staff health," Garvin said today during a tour of the Thurgood Marshall School in Philadelphia. "By applying for Green Ribbon recognition, schools will be moving forward in adopting green concepts and becoming even greener."

EPA has long encouraged the creation of healthy school environments because green school buildings and education are vital to the development and learning of every student. Green schools benefit teachers and other staff as well because they, too, work better when the indoor air and other conditions are healthy.

In his State of the Union Address, President Obama emphasized the importance of education in building a strong future for America. Creating healthy schools is one way we can support our students and their learning.

For K-12 schools interested in applying, a webinar to assist in the application process will be held Feb. 7, 2012 at 4 p.m. (EST). Event address for attendees is: https://usgbc.webex.com/usgbc/onstage/g.php?d=753402875&t=a.

The event number is 753 402 875 and the event password is Gr33n1. Call-in toll free number (US/Canada) is: 1-866-469-3239. Access code is 753 402 875

For more information about the Green Ribbon Schools competition, go to: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/green-ribbon-schools/index.html.