Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95 Receives Prestigious U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Award
Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95 in Lake Zurich, Illinois has been honored with the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools award, recognizing their outstanding efforts in environmental impact reduction, health and wellness improvement and sustainability education. This prestigious award highlights the district’s commitment to fostering a healthy, sustainable learning environment for its students.
A National Recognition
Lake Zurich is one of only ten school districts nationwide to receive this award, which celebrates innovative practices in sustainability. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona emphasized the importance of such initiatives, stating, “This year’s U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools are leading school transformation in states that will help ensure all students in all communities have the opportunity to grow to become strong and healthy learners. These awards represent thousands of students, and countless hours of hard work in schools and on college campuses, ensuring equitable access to healthy, climate-resilient learning environments where students are prepared for the sustainability challenges of the present and future.”
FBG’s Role in the Achievement
FBG Facility Services, the district’s cleaning services provider, played a role in helping Lake Zurich secure the Green Ribbon Schools award. The district’s Executive Director of Facilities, Lyle Erstad, credited FBG for their assistance in obtaining GREENGUARD certification and enhancing the district’s recycling programs. The GREENGUARD certification attests to Lake Zurich’s Healthy High Performance Cleaning Program, recognized for its commitment to indoor air quality and sustainable cleaning practices. This program is the only cleaning program to be certified under the GEI Product Emissions Standard for Children & Schools.
Sustainable Practices and Initiatives
Lake Zurich’s dedication to sustainability is evident through its comprehensive recycling and waste reduction programs. Student-led initiatives have established compost stations in every building, and paper, cardboard and plastic recycling programs are operational district-wide. The Lake Zurich High School EDvironment Club spearheads a textile recycling program, reducing landfill waste and lowering greenhouse emissions.
Energy conservation is another cornerstone of Lake Zurich’s sustainability strategy. The district has implemented LED lighting, motion sensors, EV charging stations and HVAC system upgrades. Renewable energy sources, including solar panels and geothermal fields, are integrated into multiple sites, providing authentic learning tools for students. A detailed sustainability audit reviews utility bills over 36 months, guiding future projects and expansion of the district’s renewable energy portfolio.
Educational Integration
Environmental education is seamlessly integrated across the district’s curriculum. Outdoor learning areas, such as butterfly gardens and native plant sites, offer hands-on experiences in environmental science and conservation.
Partnerships with organizations like the Ancient Oaks Foundation enhance these learning opportunities. Field trips to nature preserves and advanced classes, such as environmental science and Project Lead the Way Green Architecture, further enrich students’ understanding of sustainability. The high school greenhouse and plant sale, along with collaborations with community partners, promote outdoor education, environmental conservation and business acumen.
Community and Health Initiatives
The district’s sustainability committee is comprised of diverse community stakeholders and plays a crucial role in guiding environmental responsibility. Their strategic plan includes language on environmental responsibility as part of global citizenship.
Lake Zurich also prioritizes health and wellness with its collaboration between culinary arts and healthy lunch programs by having their food service provider partner with young chefs for competitions and education.
The district’s IPM protocols and MERV 13 filters ensure good indoor air quality and ventilation system maintenance.
National Recognition Ceremony
In mid-July, Lyle Erstad and other district representatives traveled to Washington, D.C., to receive the Green Ribbon Schools award. Erstad expressed his commitment to maintaining and enhancing the district’s sustainability processes, underscoring the importance of their ongoing efforts.
Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95’s recognition as a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School is a testament to their holistic approach to sustainability, health and education. Their innovative practices and dedication to fostering a sustainable learning environment serve as a model for districts nationwide.