As sustainability becomes more important, schools have begun to take the notion of ‘going green’ more seriously. Not only does energy efficiency save money and the environment, it has increasingly become a draw for students. The Department of Education, through its new ‘Green Ribbon’ awards, will be recognizing public schools of all levels around the country for being environmentally conscious.

Experts around the country have made it clear: schools don’t have to be originally built for sustainability in order to lower their carbon footprints. According to senior associate at the nonprofit, Global Green USA, Ted Bardacke, simply by keeping the thermostat at a certain temperature in both the winter and summer, as well as turning off lights and computers at the end of the day, schools can dramatically decrease their energy usage—up to 30 percent.

Very few states have actual environmental education requirements, but through creative teaching, schools can bring learning and sustainability together. For example: English courses can think of creative recycling campaigns, while math courses can learn to calculate a school’s carbon footprint.

As a refinishing and refurbishing company, we support schools of all levels moving towards sustainability. We’re sure that all of the winning schools will be more than worthy!

States begin nominating schools in December and the Department of Education will announce awards in the spring. To read the entire article visit USNews.com and to learn more about the Green Ribbon program visit Ed.gov.