Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95 Honored as a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School
In a ceremony held in July at the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C., the Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95 was honored for its exemplary efforts in sustainability and environmental education. The district, which serves students from pre-K to high school, has been recognized as a 2024 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School due to its innovative approaches to reducing environmental impact and costs, promoting better health, and ensuring effective sustainability and environmental education.
A Commitment to Sustainability
The Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95 has implemented a multifaceted approach to sustainability, which includes energy conservation efforts such as the installation of LED lighting, motion sensors, electric vehicle charging stations, and HVAC system upgrades. The district also integrates renewable energy sources, including solar panels and geothermal fields at multiple sites, serving as authentic learning tools for students. A rigorous sustainability audit that reviews 36 months of utilities bills helps guide the district's future projects, along with plans to further expand its renewable energy portfolio.
The district has formed a districtwide sustainability committee that engages a diverse group of community stakeholders and integrates language about environmental responsibility into its global citizenship strategic plan. The culinary arts and healthy lunch programs are fostered through collaborations between the food service provider and young chefs for annual competitions and education. Additionally, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) protocols ensure good indoor air quality through MERV 13 filters and ventilation system maintenance.
Environmental Education Across the Curriculum
Environmental education is embedded across the curriculum through outdoor learning areas, including butterfly gardens and native plant sites. Partnerships with organizations such as the Ancient Oaks Foundation offer 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. Older students collaborate with community partners on projects that promote outdoor education, environmental conservation, and business acumen through extracurricular clubs, advanced classes such as environmental science and Project Lead the Way Green Architecture, and a high school greenhouse and plant sale.
A Community Effort
Superintendent Kelley Gallt expressed pride in the collective efforts of the school district's stakeholders, including students, staff, administrators, families, and the Board of Education.