Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95 Honored as a 2024 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools District Sustainability Awardee
Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95, a 2024 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School, was honored in a ceremony in July in Washington, D.C. District 95 was recognized for their innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact and costs, promote better health, and ensure effective sustainability and environmental education. Representatives received sustainably crafted plaques and banners in recognition for their achievements.
Lake Zurich School District 95 was nominated by the Illinois State Board of Education and was one of 10 district awardees across the nation. In total, 10 districts, 41 schools, three postsecondary institutions and one early learning center were honored for their innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact and costs, promote better health and ensure effective environmental education. Attendees participated in sessions facilitated by national leaders in school sustainability and had the opportunity to share their own school/district/IHE’s practices.
Lake Zurich District 95 implements a multifaceted approach to sustainability, health, and environmental education. Energy conservation efforts such as LED lighting installation, motion sensors, EV charging stations and HVAC system upgrades, coupled with the integration of renewable energy sources, including the installation of solar panels and geothermal fields at multiple sites, serve as authentic learning tools for students. A rigorous sustainability audit that reviews 36 months of utilities bills will help guide Lake Zurich in their future projects, along with plans to further expand the district’s renewable energy portfolio. Lake Zurich has formed a districtwide sustainability committee that engages a diverse group of community stakeholders and has integrated language about environmental responsibility as part of global citizenship in its district strategic plan. The district fosters collaboration between its culinary arts and healthy lunch programs, including by having the food service provider partner with young chefs for annual competitions and education. The district implements IPM protocols and ensures good indoor air quality through MERV 13 filters and ventilation system maintenance. Environmental education is embedded across the curriculum through outdoor learning areas, including butterfly gardens and native plant sites and partnerships with organizations such as the Ancient Oaks Foundation, offering hands-on experiences in environmental science and conservation. Waste reduction initiatives, including recycling and composting, reflect the district's commitment to sustainability and showcase proactive student leadership. Younger students embark on field trips to nature preserves, instilling an appreciation of nature. Meanwhile, older students, through extracurricular clubs, advanced classes such as environmental science and Project Lead the Way Green Architecture, and a high school greenhouse and plant sale, collaborate with community partners on projects that promote outdoor education, environmental conservation and business acumen.
“I could not be prouder of the collective efforts to champion green initiatives by so many stakeholders across the school district including our students, staff, administrators, families and the Board of Education,” Superintendent Kelley Gallt said. “Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95 is committed to developing global citizens who demonstrate environmental responsibility, which is identified in the district’s most recent strategic plan, Empower95. This Department of Education Green Ribbon designation is a testament to this commitment as well as an incredible honor.”
On hand for the event at the U.S. Department of Education was U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Cindy Marten. Keishaa Austin, acting principal deputy director of the Office of State and Community Energy Programs for the U.S. Department of Energy, Brenda Mallory, chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, and Janet McCabe, deputy administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also congratulated the honorees for their efforts. The Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council offered a reception at the National Press Club following the ceremony. In addition, numerous agencies, including the Smithsonian, National Park Service, U.S. Department of Energy and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration offered events throughout the week to connect honoree representatives with more resources and honor their achievements in whole school sustainability.