5 Reasons Why Teachers are Not Teaching Kids about Climate Change

More than half of American teachers are not talking about climate change in their classrooms and of those that do almost a third incorrectly tell their students that climate change is a natural phenomenon.

According to a recent poll climate change is a very low priority for teachers in the U.S. Almost two thirds of educators who are not teaching it say they see global warming as outside of their subject area. However, science-based training is only part of the problem, parental attitudes are also a concern. Almost a third of educators are worried that parents may complain if they teach their kids about climate change.

Other reasons why climate change is not taught in schools include: A lack of materials and a lack of knowledge. Some schools do not allow teachers to teach climate change, albeit a small percentage (4%). Not all the news is bleak, between one third and one half (42%) of teachers say they do teach climate change in the classroom.

Some of the subjects that are best suited to the teaching of climate change are biology, physics and math. However, it can be integrated into almost any curriculum including subjects ranging from algebra to zoology.  Current events like extreme weather and wildfires are also powerful teaching tools.

The single biggest reason why kids do not get a climate education in the United States has nothing to do with parents, teachers or pedagogical training. It has to do with the multifaceted disinformation efforts of the fossil fuel industry and their Republican minions.

Related
Comprehensive Green School Information and Resources 2010 - 2018

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Who is Preventing Kids from Learning about Climate Change?

Kids are not getting the climate education they need but this is not because of their parents or their teachers. Climate education has become a front-line issue in the battle against truth and kids are being used as pawns in an economically motivated war against reality. As reported by NPR, polls show that climate education has the support of parents (80%) and teachers (85%). Yet children are not getting the facts about climate change in public schools. A growing number of American adults (75%) acknowledge that the climate is changing but this message not being disseminated to kids.

Americans want their children to know the causes, consequences, and solutions to global warming. What makes this poll especially interesting in these hyper-polarized times is the fact that this view holds in all 50 states and 3000 counties. Ninety percent of Democrats agree as do half of Republicans.

Despite the overwhelming support for climate education, teachers are not integrating it into their curricula. So if both teachers and parents want kids to learn about the economic and societal impacts of global warming, why is this not happening?

The reason that climate change is not de rigueur in American schools is largely due to powerful economic interests. Specifically the fossil fuel industry and Republican legislators whom they help elect.

The fossil fuel industry is at the core of the climate crisis and they have known that they are a leading cause of climate change for decades. In a bid to retain their economic power they have declared war on science and sought to subvert the truth through a diverse array of sophisticated campaigns.

The oil and gas industry uses their tremendous wealth to buy politicians and political outcomes. Their immense financial clout is also used to buy scientists and control academia.

Campaign finance is one of the most powerful weapons they have deployed in their war against the facts. The GOP has been working for the fossil fuel industry for years, and in the age of Trump they have consolidated their control over Republicans.

Disinformation is disseminated through lobbyists, think-tanks and front groups. One of the most pernicious purveyors of climate denial is the fossil fuel funded Heartland Group. They promote policy that supports industry and their disinformation campaigns target kids in public schools. They provide "educational" materials (textbooks and lesson plans) that try to circumvent the facts about anthropogenic climate change.

Their lies have been deeply ingrained in the nation's political discourse on education. Such disinformation has prompted a number of state legislators to question whether kids should be given access to the facts about climate change. In Idaho legislators said kids should not be taught that climate change is caused by human activity.

We have to face the grim reality that powerful interests are preventing kids from getting the information they desperately need. This is not just a human rights issue, this is a generational justice issue. 

Kids need a climate education to navigate in the twenty-first century. Adults have done enough by creating the problem and then failing to address it. Those who seek to deny kids the right to a climate education are putting them in danger and if we do nothing to defend children's right to the facts we are complicit.

Integrating climate change into science education standards is not just about building critical mass for climate action. It is about giving kids the tools they need to protect themselves from the world that we have made.

Related
Kids are Being Denied a Science Based Education
Comprehensive Green School Information and Resources 2010 - 2018
Why Teachers are not Teaching Kids About Climate Change

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Program - 2018 Institute for CSR Certificate

The 2018 Institute for CSR program will take place Mar. 15 – 16, May 10 – 11, July 26 – 27, Sept. 20 – 21 in Washington, DC. Over the course of four, two-day sessions, participants learn from some of the field’s most innovative thinkers, authors, and practitioners, expand their professional networks learning alongside CSR peers from across the country, all while earning a Professional Certificate in CSR from Johns Hopkins University.  Coursework will focus on a wide range of topics, including CSR strategy, trends in philanthropy, employee engagement, ethics and sustainability, measurement, and communications.

Launched in 2014, the Institute for Corporate Social Responsibility was designed by—and for—those in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) field as a practical, interactive, and affordable professional development opportunity for CSR practitioners. This program is designed for CSR practitioners searching for the skills, inspiration, and expanded professional network needed to deliver increased value back to their company and the communities they serve.

The Institute currently accepts up to 25 applicants per year. This small class size ensures maximum faculty and participant interaction, allows for deep and meaningful group discussions and debates, and affords the opportunity to take classroom learnings offsite with “field trips” and networking events. This non-credit, professional certificate program is an initiative of the Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers, offered in partnership with Advanced Academic Programs at Johns Hopkins University and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Corporate Citizenship Center.

“The Institute for CSR provides business professionals with the opportunity to connect with their peers in the field, learn from the most innovative thinkers in CSR, and grow their skills to make a greater impact,” said Marc DeCourcey, senior vice president of the U.S. Chamber Foundation. “By focusing on practical, real-world skills and best practices, the Institute is a valuable experience for all and I encourage those looking to enhance their work to apply to join the 2018 class.”

Now entering its fifth year, the Institute for CSR is a professional development program designed for business professionals currently working in a CSR role. Since its launch, the Institute has featured the expertise of CSR leaders from American Express, IBM, Johnson & Johnson, Walmart, and other major corporations.

“When we originally designed the Institute for CSR five years ago, it was as a practical, interactive, and affordable professional development opportunity for the CSR field,” said Katy Moore, managing director of Corporate Strategy for the Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers. “What we didn’t anticipate was the invaluable personal and professional connections that participants would build with the faculty, guest speakers, and their fellow classmates. Many of these relationships have strengthened over time and our alumni networks have become trusted sources of advice and feedback for current and past participants.”

"Over the past decade, we've seen an incredible upswing in "corporate citizenship" among companies worldwide, increasing the demand for skilled experts in this burgeoning field,” said Karin Orr, program coordinator for the Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management at Johns Hopkins University. “The Institute for CSR capitalizes on this demand by providing a dynamic and innovative space for cross-sectoral exchange and ongoing dialogue among some of the most incredible leading professionals in the CSR field."

Click here to download the brochure
Click here to register.

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Graduate Certificate - CSR/Sustainability at St Michael's College (Video)

The Graduate Certificate in CSR/Sustainability at the University of St. Michael's (University of Toronto) is a program that accommodates people who are working full time.

There are already 200 graduates of this program from around the world. They work for a wide range of organizations including for-profit, not-for-profit and government organizations.  The personal and professional benefits of education are numerous. A strong business case that can be made for higher learning. Click here for a business case presentation (PDF) or here for a program impact assessment as described by program graduates.

Who attends

The 2017/2018 Cohort includes: The Co-operators, OpenText, Goldcorp, the Greater Toronto Airport Authority, North America Fur Auctions, Canadian Stewardship Services Alliance, Lafayette Economic Development Authority, the United Way.

Curriculum

Leading tools are incorporated in the Certificate in CSR/Sustainability curriculum. The program is advised by a council of business leaders who keep these curriculums practical and at the forefront of thought leadership. The certificate curriculum has been aligned with the body of knowledge for the International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP).

The course reviews 60 best practices for embedding CSR/Sustainability in an organization's culture. It also provides access to leading industry research, assessment, tools and best practices. Specific items in the curriculum include a change management simulation used by Fortune 500 companies called Experience Change™. This is an expert-guided experience that teaches both the "what to do" and "how to be" of successful change. Students are also afforded hands-on practice in an engaging, low-risk simulation experience.

Featured Faculty 

Faculty includes global thought leaders on the forefront of Sustainability and CSR

BOB WILLARD, PhD - Internationally Respected Author, Speaker and Sustainability Leader. Strategy & Business Case 

KAZ FLINN, CSR Certificate Harvard Business School, B.Arts in Mass Communications (Scotiabank, Rogers, CBSR). Governance & Implementation.

WES GEE, Master Sustainable Business, Certificate in Cleaner Production, B.Commerce (CBSR, Stantec, The Works Design). CSR/Sustainability Reporting

Practical Capstone Project

In this "work as you learn" program participants gain core competencies for CSR/Sustainability through a work based Capstone Project. This field work gives participants direct CSR/sustainability experience.

Video Overview

Here is a video of a Webinar for the Graduate Certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility/Sustainability at the University of St. Michael's College, University of Toronto.



For more information contact: Kathryn Cooper, Program Manager, Graduate Certificate in CSR/Sustainability. Email: kathryncooper@xplornet.ca

Click here to apply.

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Make sure to see the article titled, "Comprehensive Green School Information and Resources." It contains links to over 350 posts covering everything you need to know about sustainable academics, green school buildings, student eco-initiatives, and college rankings as well as a wide range of related information and resources.

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Course Certificate - Leading Organizations & Change at MIT Sloan School of Management

MIT Sloan School of Management is collaborating with world renowned faculty to offer instruction in the prescient realm of organizational change. In today's complex interconnected world an organization's strategies and tactics must be encouraged to evolve. Course alterations are essential in response to changing business environments. In the face a barrage of unprecedented challenges, an organizations ability to pivot on a dime has become critical.

Organizations must learn to be more nimble so that they can make rapid course corrections. However, implementing new directions and altering course is a daunting task. Institutions and employees are commonly steeped in social and organizational cultures that often seem to resist change.

To help navigate these challenges MIT has put together a course that gives people the information they need to help organizations to transition. This course provides frameworks, models, and perspectives that are meant to be immediately applicable.

As explained by MIT:

"Organizations today are large, complex, difficult to understand and even more difficult to manage. To be successful, managers must have a strong knowledge of the social networks that connect people in organizations and how to leverage them. They should identify where the real power and influence of the organization lies. In order to implement successful initiatives, managers need to navigate organizational barriers to change."

The course titled, "Leading Organizations & Change" gives students the knowledge to navigate the sources of power and influence within an organization. In addition to management techniques, the course also explores ways of dealing with organizational impediments.

MIT describes Leading Organizations & Change, as, "a thought provoking course with challenging work assignments, practical frameworks based on MIT research, as well as a powerful change management simulation to immerse you in the complexities and nuances of effective change."

The program's globally connected classrooms facilitate peer to peer learning. Graduates will build new networks and earn a certificate from MIT Sloan School of Management. The two month course starts on September 22, 2017. It requires 2 - 4 hours per week and costs $1,200.

The faculty is led by John Van Maanen, he is the Erwin H. Schell Professor of Management and a Professor of Organization Studies at the MIT Sloan School of Management. He has served as the faculty chair of the MIT Sloan Fellows Program at MIT and as the head of the Organization Studies Group within the Sloan School. He is the author of numerous books and articles, including, Tales of the Field. His publications include also methodological studies on writing organizational ethnographies and on power relations in the workplace.

For further information about the course contact:

Asia Pacific: admissions.apac@emeritus.org
Europe, Middle East & Africa: admissions.emea@emeritus.org
North America & South America: admissions.americas@emeritus.org


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Make sure to see the article titled, "Comprehensive Green School Information and Resources." It contains links to over 350 posts covering everything you need to know about sustainable academics, green school buildings, student eco-initiatives, and college rankings as well as a wide range of related information and resources.

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Comprehensive Green School Information and Resources 2010 - 2016

In 2017 the Green Market Oracle (GMO) is reprising its annual Green School Series. Over the course of the last seven years the GMO has published more than 350 articles related to environmentally oriented academics, sustainable infrastructure and green initiatives in pedagogical settings. In the coming weeks we will post articles on a daily basis related to the green schools and sustainability focused academics. These efforts contribute to the growth of a well informed population, a sustainable economy and ultimately a healthier planet. This focus is a key part of the GMO's mission to help facilitate the convergence of sustainability and the global environment.



The 2016 Edition of The GMO's Green School Series

In the seventh installment of the GMO's Green School Series there were a total of 32 articles. This comprises a review of the growing green  schools movement, best practices and what sustainability professionals need to know. It also includes information on schools, degrees, accreditation, early education, ranking, tools, solutions, and awards.

Click here to access the 2016 edition of The GMO's Green School Series.

The 2015 Edition of The GMO's Green School Series

In the sixth installment of the GMO's Green School Series there were a total of 26 articles. This includes a review of green educational opportunities at universities and colleges, different types of related accreditation (degrees, programs, and certificates) early education, student led fossil fuel divestment initiatives, water stewardship efforts and resources, energy and infrastructure in green schools, rankings of the most sustainable colleges and universities and resource tools. .

Click here to access the 2015 edition of The GMO's Green School Series.

The 2014 Edition of The GMO's Green School Series

In the fifth installment of the GMO's Green School Series there were a total of 69 articles. This includes posts covering general information, educational programs and courses, online education, sustainability initiatives, school rankings, resources, green building and campuses, retrofits, renewable energy, fossil fuel divestment, competitions and awards.  

Click here to access the 2014 edition of The Green Market Oracle's Green School Series.

The 2013 Edition of The GMO's Green School Series

In the fourth installment of the GMO's Green School Series there were a total of 26 articles. This includes posts on green school rankings, educational programs and courses, buildings and campuses, fossil fuel divestment, renewable energy, campus competitions and fellowships.

Click here to access the 2013 edition of The GMO's Green School Series.

The 2012 Edition of The GMO's Green School Series

In the third installment of the GMO's Green School Series there are a total of 65 articles. This includes posts on the value of green education, programs and courses, buildings and campuses, support programs, teaching resources, and business schools.

Click here to access the 2012 edition of The GMO's Green School Series.

The 2011 Edition of The GMO's Green School Series

In the second installment of the GMO's Green School Series there are a total of 70 articles. This includes posts on sustainable education, school buildings, grants, programs, awards.

Click here to access the 2011 edition of The GMO's Green School Series.

The 2010 Edition of The GMO's Green School Series

In the first installment of the GMO's Green School Series there are a total of 60 articles.  to access posts on green student resources, the growth of green education, masters degrees, doctorate degrees, undergraduate degrees and classes, primary and secondary schools, China and Asia, buildings, and information on sustainability officers.

Click here to access the 2010 edition of The GMO's Green School Series.

Stay tuned for more green school information and resources this year. From now until the end of September, The GMO will feature posts as part of the 2017 edition of the Green School Series.

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GMO's Annual Green Schools Posts in 2016

Each summer and fall the Green Market Oracle (GMO) publishes a series of posts focused on the growing green schools movement. In 2016 this comprised both buildings and academics, it also includes best practices and information useful to sustainability professionals, students, instructors and other stakeholders. In addition to green buildings, this series reviews hundreds of sustainability-focused schools and accreditation. Last year GMO published 32 articles in this series bringing the total to more than 350.  In 2016 the predominant themes included early education, tools, resources and awards.

General

The Growth of Green Schools in 2016
Best Practices in Green Schools (Video)
What Aspiring Sustainability Professionals Should Learn in College

Schools and accreditation

150 Sustainability and Environmental Masters Degrees
Investing in Education Pays Lucrative Dividends
Institutions that offer Sustainability Focused Certificates and Degrees as Recommended By Linked-In Professionals
Adler University - Degrees for a More Just Society
Celebrating ASU's School of Sustainability (Video)
Green Futures: Sustainability in Philadelphia Schools
Sustainability Education: Teaching for sustainability (Videos)
Studying Sustainability at Hampshire College
MA in Global Sustainability at The University of South Florida
Hampshire College Going 100% Solar Saving Money and Reducing Emissions
MIT Gets a Fossil Fuel Divestment Letter from Scientists and Advocates

Ranking

Greenest Colleges in America: The Princeton Review
World Leading Canadian Sustainability Focused MBAs
The Top 50 Greenest Universities in America (Sierra Magazine)
Top 50 Green Colleges (Princeton Review 2015)

Early education and impediments

Teaching Kids in Nature May be our Best Hope for the Future
Energy Efficiency: Kids Teaching Parents
Bullfrog Power Contest Getting Kids Talking about Energy
The Right Wants to Crush Climate Science in Our Schools
Kids are Being Denied a Science Based Climate Education

Tools resources and solutions

Footprint Calculator: Measure Your Schools Footprint or Measure Your Own
Natural Light in Schools: Architectural Resource for Daylighting
Free Educational Resources at the Supply Chain Sustainability School (Video)
25 Back to School Books to be Well Informed on Climate, the Environment and Sustainability
Sustainable Educational Solutions from Sustainia

Awards

Space to Grow Wins the Green School Award for Collaboration
The Best of the 2016 Green Schools Honorees (Video)
Green Schools Honorees 2016 (USGBC and the GSNN)

Make sure to see the article titled, "Comprehensive Green School Information and Resources." It contains links to hundreds of articles covering everything you need to know about sustainable academics, student eco-initiatives, green school buildings, and college rankings as well as a wide range of related information and resources.

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Event - Green California Schools & Community Colleges Summit and Exposition

The 9th annual Green California Schools & Community Colleges Summit and Exposition will be held October 29 - 31, 2015, at the Pasadena Convention Center 300 East Green Street in Pasadena California. The Green Market Oracle is once again proud to be an outreach partner for this important event.

This is the first and largest green schools event in California it offers insights into achieving the full range of benefits associated with a high performance green school. Among the benefits are cost savings that can free up funds for core needs and improved student performance. Districts that have made a strong commitment to sustainability have also earned respect and gratitude from the communities they serve.

Through an Expo featuring green products and services, concurrent education sessions, keynote presentations and an annual Leadership Awards program, the Summit offers a unique opportunity to discover what's new, what is working and what is on the horizon.

There is broad consensus that the actions we take in next decade will play a crucial role in the long-term prospects for a healthy, livable planet.

Schools are uniquely poised to open the door to a greener future. They will likely be the first place most students encounter determined efforts to conserve energy and water or to reduce waste. They can help students understand the relationships between human needs and activities and the ecosystems on which all life forms depend.

California has long been on the leading edge of the green schools movement; it was here that the nation’s first green building rating program for K-12 schools was created. Through the Education and the Environment Initiative, the state created the country's first K-12 environmental literacy curriculum.

The Summit provides a unique opportunity for leaders from the nation's largest public education system to discover new ways to create healthy, efficient learning environments.

A media favorite who has been called "the prophet of California climate," Bill Patzert is known as one of the West's most influential individuals in regard to water issues. He is regularly seen on local and national television representing NASA and JPL.

To see the list of exhibitors click here.
To see the event agenda click here.
To register click here.

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Make sure to see the article titled, "Comprehensive Green School Information and Resources." It contains links to over 300 articles covering everything you need to know about sustainable academics, student eco-initiatives, green school buildings, and college rankings as well as a wide range of related information and resources.

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Middlebury Institute’s IEP Program: Focused on Today’s Sustainability Issues (Video)

Middlebury Institute’s International Environmental Policy degree program is designed to attract students who want to play a part in setting international agendas for worldwide sustainability issues and initiatives.



To learn more click here.
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Make sure to see the article titled, "Comprehensive Green School Information and Resources." It contains links to over 300 articles covering everything you need to know about sustainable academics, student eco-initiatives, green school buildings, and college rankings as well as a wide range of related information and resources.

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Event - Colorado Green Schools Initiative September Meeting

This meeting will take place on September 16, 2015, from 7:30 AM MDT to 9:00 AM MDT at The Alliance Center, 1536 Wynkoop St, Denver, Colorado CO 80202. This is one of several meetings planned, these meetings are free for all to attend.

Agenda

Green Apple Day of Service: Green Apple is a global movement to put all children in schools where they have clean and healthy air to breathe, where energy and resources are conserved, and where they can be inspired to dream of a brighter future. The Green Apple Day of Service, which will take place on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015, gives parents, teachers, students, companies and local organizations the opportunity to transform all schools into healthy, safe and productive learning environments through local service projects. Be sure to check out project ideas, pick up helpful event resources, read about last year's impact, find an event in your area and register your 2015 event today!

Green Ribbon Schools Webcast Update: The national “Green Ribbon Schools” recognition and award program was developed by a strong collaboration of organizations and individuals that share a common concern

Other issues to be discussed at the meeting Green Ties Update and Electing Incoming Chair
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Make sure to see the article titled, "Comprehensive Green School Information and Resources." It contains links to over 300 articles covering everything you need to know about sustainable academics, student eco-initiatives, green school buildings, and college rankings as well as a wide range of related information and resources.

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Educational Tool Assesses Scientific Veracity of Online Content

An educational tool has been developed that can assess the veracity of climate related online content. The resource helps to separate fact from fiction in the complex world of climate science to the general public. This tool is an ideal companion for those engaged in climate education. The resource was developed by Dr. Emmanuel Vincent, a tropical cyclone expert at the University of California.

There is a plethora of information on climate science available online, however, it is often difficult to determine the accuracy of the claims being made. The Climate Feedback tool known as the Hypothesis annotation platform relies on a community of scientists who provide commentaries on the scientific accuracy of online content. So far there are 40 scientists who are providing these commentaries.

The resource has provided scientific feedback on a number of climate related articles in well known publications (eg Wall Street Journal, The Guardian and The Hill). These critiques even include the Pope's recent environmental encyclical.

The scientists that conducted these critiques hail from prestigious institutions like MIT, the University of New South Wales Climate Change Research Centre, Germany’s Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Harvard, the US National Snow and Ice Data Center, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The tool assesses both the science of anthropogenic warming and claims made by skeptics. No doubt skeptics will abuse this tool with the intent of undermining the credibility of climate journalism. Nonetheless, it is a great resource to assess the veracity of the statements made by climate journalists.

Click here to access the tool.
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Make sure to see the article titled, "Comprehensive Green School Information and Resources." It contains links to over 300 articles covering everything you need to know about sustainable academics, student eco-initiatives, green school buildings, and college rankings as well as a wide range of related information and resources.

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Colorado Parents Support Green Initiatives in Schools

Parents in Colorado support green values and want to support environmental initiatives in their children's schools. This was the finding in a 2014 survey by the Colorado Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

In addition to support for a range of green school initiatives the results of this study indicate that there is also strong support for the teaching of sustainability.

key findings from the survey

• 87 percent said that it is important to them that sustainability be a part of their child’s curriculum.
• 65 percent said they were aware of an initiative going on at their child’s school.
• 94 percent said they would support a green initiative to make their child’s school more energy efficient.
• 97 percent said they would support a green initiative to monitor the indoor air quality in their child’s school building.
• 97 percent said they would support a green initiative to promote locally or organically grown fruits and vegetables into school lunches.
• 100 percent of parents surveyed indicated that they "do something to be green at home." 

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Make sure to see the article titled, "Comprehensive Green School Information and Resources." It contains links to over 300 articles covering everything you need to know about sustainable academics, student eco-initiatives, green school buildings, and college rankings as well as a wide range of related information and resources.

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Sustainability Ranking of US Colleges and Universities Reveal the West is the Best

Sierra magazine's much anticipated annual ranking of colleges and universities is now in its ninth year. This year the Cool Schools top ten ratings known as the "Eco-Valedictorians" is dominated by west coast schools and the state of California in particular. Two campuses of the University of California (Irvine and Davis) are at the top of the list. A total of five campuses belonging to the UofC have won half of the 10 best spots. When you add Seattle's University of Washington and Portland Oregon's Lewis and Clarke, a total of seven of the ten top schools are located on the west coast.

The University of California, Irvine earns the top spot for the second year in a row. Their win is attributable to their increased use of clean energy including a quadrupling of solar. They have also succeeded in diverting 80 percent of campus waste from landfills. Overall they managed to reduce their carbon emissions by an impressive 1,500 metric tons. Their goal is to be carbon neutral by 2025.

Schools in the Sierra rankings are assessed in terms of their efforts to protect the environment, address climate issues and encourage environmental responsibility. These rankings were determined based upon a detailed sustainability survey that was completed by more than 150 schools.

Sierra magazine’s top 10 "Eco-Valedictorians" of 2015 are:

1. University of California, Irvine
2. University of California, Davis
3. University of Wisconsin—Oshkosh
4. Colorado State University (Fort Collins, CO)
5. Oberlin College (Oberlin, OH)
6. University of Connecticut
7. University of California, San Diego
8. University of Washington, Seattle
9. Lewis & Clark College (Portland, OR)
10. University of California, Berkeley

To see the full ranking of 153 schools click here.
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Make sure to see the article titled, "Comprehensive Green School Information and Resources." It contains links to over 300 articles covering everything you need to know about sustainable academics, student eco-initiatives, green school buildings, and college rankings as well as a wide range of related information and resources.

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Video - Marylhurst Online MBA in Sustainable Business

Marylhurst University's online MBA in Sustainable Business which is ideal fro people from a wide array of industries who wish to pursue higher education in sustainable business practices. These individuals are scientists who seek a business background, builders and architects who focus on sustainable practices, and government and policy analysts. What they all have in common: a passion for sustainability.

Students can choose from four distinct green concentrations and graduate in as little as 18 months. This engaging webinar from Paul Ventura, Chair of Sustainable Business, gives you a good overview of Marylhurst's dynamic Sustainable MBA.

Make sure to see the article titled, "Comprehensive Green School Information and Resources." It contains links to over 200 articles covering everything you need to know about sustainable academics, student's eco-initiatives, green school buildings, and college rankings as well as a wide range of related information and resources.

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Savings from LED Retrofits in the Surry School District

The Surry County School District in North Carolina has installed LEDs that save the school money, improve lighting and reduce energy. As part of the school districts energy education program, they have converted from metal halide fixtures to LEDs. According to the school's own projection they will reap an annual savings of nearly $1,350. The ten LED's also improved foot-candle levels in Dobson Elementary School’s 5,400 sq-foot gymnasium by more than 50 percent.

Part of the problem with metal halide fixtures is that they require a significant amount of time to achieve full illumination. Consequently the school allowed the lights to remain on throughout the entire day, even when the gym was not in use. However, the new LED fixtures instantly illuminate when switched on, enabling the school to turn lights off and reduce energy consumption when the gym is unoccupied.

The pilot project has gone very well prompting the Surry County School District to add LED lighting to a total of ten elementary, middle and high schools.

Make sure to see the article titled, "Comprehensive Green School Information and Resources." It contains links to over 200 articles covering everything you need to know about sustainable academics, student's eco-initiatives, green school buildings, and college rankings as well as a wide range of related information and resources.

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Savings from LED Lighting at the University of Rhode Island

Schools are always looking for ways of reducing their expenditures and one of the easiest ways they can do so is through replacing their existing lighting with LED technology. Not only do these types of retrofits save money and energy, they can also improve the lighting, in effect getting more for less.

The University of Rhode Island’s Thomas M. Ryan Center for college basketball will be illuminated by a new LED lighting system from Ephesus Lighting, replacing a metal halide lighting system that was installed when The Ryan Center was built in 2002.

The new LED system is projected to reduce power consumption at the Ryan Center by over 80 percent and provide savings in maintenance costs over the next 10 years, while also improving the brightness on the court by more than 50 percent, according to Ephesus.

According to Ephesus its LED optics and control system maintain constant color temperature over a full dim range and eliminate the flickering effect of other lighting systems that can be visible in High Definition broadcasting.

Make sure to see the article titled, "Comprehensive Green School Information and Resources." It contains links to over 200 articles covering everything you need to know about sustainable academics, student's eco-initiatives, green school buildings, and college rankings as well as a wide range of related information and resources.

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USGBC's Green Schools Challenge in Louisiana

Competitions between educational establishments are a great way to advance awareness around sustainability while reducing a school's footprints at the same time. Louisiana's Green Schools Challenge is an example of such a program.

Launched by the U.S. Green Building Council's Louisiana chapter, the Green Schools Challenge, encourages students across the state to develop sustainability projects for their schools in the name of friendly competition.

USGBC Louisiana mentors and assist students with the challenge. Mentors share their expertise in an environmental or sustainability. In 2013 there were 37 mentors who assisted with the program.

Last year there were 40 schools involved. The Green Schools Challenge engaged 7,000 students in 13 parishes around the state. Schools took on projects to do 11 energy audits and water conservation plans; 15 recycling and composting programs; 11 school gardens; and 12 rain gardens and outdoor classrooms. They raised the funds for the projects and worked with local businesses that could help them fulfill their goals.

One of last year's winning entries was a project that removed styrofoam from the cafeteria, secured a grant for a dishwasher, purchased reusable dishware, and reduced kitchen waste by 60 percent. They also encouraged their fellow students to recycle and reuse. For their efforts the school received a cheque for $1,000.

The 2014 edition of USGBC's Green Schools Challenge in Louisiana launched in August. Christine Jordan, Entergy's head of Corporate Social Responsibility, announced that this year the utility will be supporting the Challenge for the second year, with a $13,000 contribution.

Make sure to see the article titled, "Comprehensive Green School Information and Resources." It contains links to over 200 articles covering everything you need to know about sustainable academics, student's eco-initiatives, green school buildings, and college rankings as well as a wide range of related information and resources.

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US Department of Education's Green Ribbon Schools Program 2014 Sustainability Awardees

The US Department of Education's Green Ribbon Schools program is an innovative approach that entices schools to improve their eco-attributes.

The program recognizes schools that work to reduce environmental impact and costs, provide a better environment for student and staff health and educate students on environmental and sustainability issues. Schools that do well in these three areas, also known as Pillars, are recognized by the Department of Education.

According to a release from the Department of Education, the award "is part of a larger U.S. Department of Education (ED) effort to identify and disseminate knowledge about practices that are proven to result in improved student engagement, higher academic achievement and graduation rates, and workforce preparedness, as well as a government wide goal of increasing energy independence and economic security."

In 2013, the second annual Green Ribbon Awards honored 78 schools and programs, with 29 states and the District of Columbia all represented. The types of activities that earn recognition included a construction project at a school in Alabama that preserved a wetland area, fourteen million in energy energy savings at a Colorado school district, and a rooftop solar power project at a New Jersey school.

A summary of 2014 honorees include:

Alabama

Brock’s Gap Intermediate School, Hoover, F. E. Burleson Elementary School, Hartselle, Homewood Middle School, Homewood.

California

Lowell Elementary School, Long Beach, Mark Twain Elementary School, Long Beach, San Domenico School, San Anselmo, Encinitas Union School District, Encinitas.

Colorado

Larkspur Elementary School, Larkspur, Lesher Middle School, Fort Collins, Mesa Elementary School, Cortez, Boulder Valley School District.

Connecticut

Greenwich Academy, Greenwich, Interdistrict Discovery Magnet School, Bridgeport.

Delaware

Red Clay Consolidated School District (RCCSD).

Florida 

Broward County Public Schools.

Georgia

Arcado Elementary School, Lilburn, High Meadows School, Roswell.

Illinois

Woodland Primary School, Gages Lake.

Indiana

Carmel High School, Carmel, St. Thomas Aquinas School, Indianapolis.

Kentucky

Wellington Elementary, Lexington.

Maryland

North Carroll High School, Carroll, Travilah Elementary School, Potomac.

Massachusetts

Boston Latin School, Boston

Michigan

Renaissance High School, Clarkston, Lenawee Intermediate School District TECH Center, Adrian.

Minnesota

Chisago Lakes Middle School, Lindstrom, Five Hawks Elementary School, Prior Lake, Waconia Public School District.

Nebraska

Fontenelle Elementary, Omaha, Omaha Public School District.

New Jersey

Kellman Brown Academy, Voorhees, Three Bridges School, Three Bridges.

New Mexico

Amy Biehl Community School, Santa Fe.

New York

Anne Hutchinson Elementary School, Eastchester.

North Carolina 

Exploris Middle School, Raleigh.

Ohio

Milton-Union PK- School, West Milton, Ohio Metro Catholic School, Cleveland, Ohio West Geauga High School, Chesterland.

Oregon

Jesuit High School, Portland, Willamette High School, Eugene.

Pennsylvania

Council Rock School District.

Rhode Island

Claiborne Pell Elementary School, Newport, The Greene School, Greenwich.

Vermont

Camels Hump Middle School, Richmond, Champlain Valley Union High School, Hinesburg, Lake Region Union High School, Orleans.

Washington

Bertschi School, Seattle, Wash. Shadow Lake Elementary, Maple Valley, Wash. Vancouver Public Schools. 


West Virginia

Cameron Middle-High School, Cameron W.V. Eastwood Elementary School, Morgantown.

Wisconsin

Conserve School, Land O’ Lakes, Hurley K- School, Hurley, Park Elementary School, Cross Plains, Tomorrow River Community Charter School, Amherst, Greendale School District.

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Make sure to see the article titled, "Comprehensive Green School Information and Resources." It contains links to over 200 articles covering everything you need to know about sustainable academics, student's eco-initiatives, green school buildings, and college rankings as well as a wide range of related information and resources.

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The Greening of the US Public Schools

The US public school system is getting greener. Public schools across the US are beginning to adopt green policies and build more sustainable infrastructure. Together these efforts reduce environmental impacts while offering a valuable ecological lesson to students.

School districts are spending hundreds of millions on new green schools. Some are even getting LEED certified. Almost half of all new school construction contains green elements which is up from only 15 percent in 2008. According to McGraw-Hill, by 2025, all new school construction will be green.

In addition to greener buildings schools are increasingly integrating eco-elements into their curricula. Schools across the country are also greening children's education through programs that range from tree planting, to recycling initiatives and energy conservation.

The Detroit Public Schools and the regional chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council are working together to promote environmentalism among students. This program integrates recycling, gardening, and energy conservation.

The net impact of these simple initiatives should not be underestimated. They are low cost, high return investments that will continue to yield dividends well into the future. Investing in children may well be the best way to ensure a more sustainable world.

Make sure to see the article titled, "Comprehensive Green School Information and Resources." It contains links to over 200 articles covering everything you need to know about sustainable academics, student's eco-initiatives, green school buildings, and college rankings as well as a wide range of related information and resources.

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Innovation in Sustainability Education

Universities that focus on sustainability are increasingly seeing the value of embedding innovative approaches into their curriculum. Schools who seek to be leaders in environmental education provide a tremendous benefit to their students through the incorporation of innovation. Such innovation serves as both a teaching tool and a real world example of the practice of sustainability. Here are two examples of such innovation from the world leading Haas school of business and Cornell University's S.C. Johnson Graduate School of Management.

UC Berkeley's Haas business school has a Socially Responsible Investment Fund. The program recently completed an oversubscribed crowdfunding campaign, raising $100,000 to enable students to invest real money, not merely trade in hypothetical accounts.

Another innovation is at Cornell University’s S.C. Johnson Graduate School of Management, which offers students customized, one-on-one coaching and mentor-ship through a dedicated sustainability counselor at the school's career center.

Innovation is at the heart of sustainability. As more schools provide environmentally themed programs it can be expected that innovative approaches to education will increase as well.

Make sure to see the article titled, "Comprehensive Green School Information and Resources." It contains links to over 200 articles covering everything you need to know about sustainable academics, student's eco-initiatives, green school buildings, and college rankings as well as a wide range of related information and resources.

Read More»