Local schools honored for being green
A Philadelphia city elementary school, a Quaker school in West Chester and the Lower Merion School District are being honored by the U.S. Department of Education for their efforts at being green.
A Philadelphia city elementary school, a Quaker school in West Chester and the Lower Merion School District are being honored by the U.S. Department of Education for their efforts at being green.
The Albert M. Greenfield Elementary School in Center City and and the Westtown School in West Chester are two of four schools in Pennsylvania to be given a 2013 Green Ribbon School award, the federal education department announced Monday.
Green Ribbon Schools are selected for their accomplishments in reducing environmental impact and utility costs, promoting better health, and ensuring effective environmental education. This was the award's second year.
In addition, Lower Merion was given a first-ever District Sustainability Award for its efforts to pursue energy conservation initiatives across multiple school buildings.
Pennsylvania Education Secretary Ron Tomalis nominated the schools in February.
"On behalf of Gov. Tom Corbett, I congratulate these schools for being national recognized and showcasing their efforts," Tomalis said.
Last year, Radnor Middle School and Springside Chestnut Hill Academy were among the first Green Ribbon Schools.
This year, 64 schools nation-wide were named Green Ribbon Schools, and 14 districts earned District Sustainability Awards.
"Today's honorees are modeling a comprehensive approach to being green," said U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan. "They are demonstrating ways schools can simultaneously cut costs; improve health, performance and equity; and provide an education gear toward the jobs of the future."
Contact staff writer Rita Giordano at 610-313-8232, rgiordano@phillynews.com or on Twitter @ritagiordano.