Green Star Schools Program Pilot Meets with Success at Rosa Parks School
The Green Schools Initiative has been working with Bay Area partner agencies like Stopwaste.org to develop a green schools recognition and certification program called the Green Star Schools Program. At
least seven other states already have statewide recognition programs (see our Resources page for a list).
During the 2010-2011 school year, we've been pilot testing the new program at Rosa Parks Elementary School in Berkeley with great success. Why is such a program important? Because schools need clear guidance as they undertake important steps like improving indoor air quality at school, integrating environmental education into the curriculum, planting school gardens and setting waste reduction goals. They also want to understand what set of accomplishments will make them officially "green."
The U.S. Department of Education has recognized the need for such programs and in April 2011 launched its own "Green Ribbon Schools" certification and recognition program. Deborah Moore, Executive Director of Green Schools Initiative, says "We are excited about both the national and state programs that will honor and recognize schools for their conservation efforts, as well as provide guidance that will make it easier for schools to go green."
- Elementary school adopts 'Green Star' program: The Daily Cal discusses the impacts of the pilot Green Star Schools program at Rosa Parks Elementary.
- Shooting stars: A conversation about the Green Star Schools program: Deborah Moore discusses what motivated development of the Green Star Schools program, accomplishments so far, partners, and goals for the future with Emily Rozhon of UC Berkeley's Office of Government and Community Relations.