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USGBC Reveals the Best of Green Schools

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has announced the recipients of the 2024 Best of Green Schools Awards.

The council’s annual awards program, hosted in collaboration with the Green Schools National Network, recognizes organizations, schools, and individuals for their efforts in advancing the green and sustainable schools movement. The winners were announced at the 2024 Green Schools Conference, which took place earlier this week in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This year’s recipients include:

• K–12 School: Mark’s School in Southborough, Massachusetts
• School System: Boston Public Schools
• School District Champion: Lisa Randall, sustainability program coordinator for Santa Fe Public Schools
• Policy Maker: S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes (D-CT), and U.S. Representative Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ)
• Ambassador: Tatjana Rebelle, director of Equitable Initiatives for Earth Charter Indiana
• Michelle Curreri Collaborator Award: California’s Climate Ready Schools Coalition
• Student Leader: Alex Wagonfeld, The Nueva School in in Hillsborough, California
• K–12 Educator: Amanda Talantis, Alabama District 1 Secondary Teacher of the Year
• Business Leader: Arrowstreet Capital
• Moment for the Movement: The U.S. Department of Energy’s new school-focused programs.

“The individuals and organizations we honor and recognize today have made outstanding progress in advancing green schools. They have empowered and inspired students, teachers, and communities to create and foster greener, more sustainable learning environments,” said Anisa Heming, Center for Green Schools director. “Whether it’s a reduction in emissions or waste, the installation of a new garden or solar panels, or drastic improvements in air quality, the accomplishments made in our schools would not be possible without the steadfast dedication and collective action of those we celebrate today.”

For more information on the winners, visit the USGBC website.