Green Schools
Green Schools honor the complexities and interconnectedness of human and environmental health as well as the pivotal role schools play in our society. They develop agency among our youth and empower diverse stakeholders to collaborate on reducing environmental impact, improving health and wellness, and increasing sustainability literacy by implementing green and healthy practices across schools’ buildings and grounds, educational programming and culture.
Go green in your school.
Missouri Gateway Green Building Council supports sustainability in schools through the Show-Me Green Schools suite of programs. Check out the programs below, which we co-deliver with the Missouri Environmental Education Association.
Green Schools Quest: A Project-Based Challenge
The Green Schools Quest is an annual project-based challenge to PreK-12 schools to devise and implement no/low cost sustainability projects at their school over a six month period of time with the help of a community volunteer who serves as a Green Mentor. Schools document their impact, such as energy savings or increased biodiversity, during the project and submit their project’s process and impact for judging by an impartial panel at the conclusion. Cash Awards and trophies are presented to winning teams in Elementary, Middle and High School Divisions and five Spotlight Awards are presented across the age divisions.
Missouri Green Schools
Missouri Green Schools is a statewide recognition program which focuses on supporting schools in taking a systems-based approach to identify and advance practices throughout their campuses, educational programming, and school culture that reduce environmental impact, improve health and wellness, and provide place-based education. Additional support is provided for schools that have 60% or more of their students qualifying for free or reduced-priced lunch, including one-on-one support to set goals and track progress and small grant opportunities. In the state of Missouri, Missouri Green Schools serves as the conduit for the U.S Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools award. Missouri Green Schools is a joint program of the Missouri Gateway Green Building Council and the Missouri Environmental Education Association.
Missouri Green Schools
Missouri Green Schools is a statewide recognition program which focuses on supporting schools in taking a systems-based approach to identify and advance practices throughout their campuses, educational programming, and school culture that reduce environmental impact, improve health and wellness, and provide place-based education. Additional support is provided for schools that have 60% or more of their students qualifying for free or reduced-priced lunch, including one-on-one support to set goals and track progress and small grant opportunities. In the state of Missouri, Missouri Green Schools serves as the conduit for the U.S Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools award. Missouri Green Schools is a joint program of the Missouri Gateway Green Building Council and the Missouri Environmental Education Association.
U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS)
Since 2016, Missouri Green Schools has partnered with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to nominate Missouri schools for the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools award. ED-GRS recognition award honors schools and school districts. Both Missouri Green Schools and ED-GRS are aligned with and recognize schools for their achievements across all three “pillars” of a green school:
1) reduced environmental impacts and costs;
2) improved health and wellness of schools, students and staff;
3) effective environmental and sustainability education.
To be considered for ED-GRS, schools must document a high level of performance across all 3 pillars.
Sustainability Institute for Educators
The Sustainability Institute for Educators challenges participants to help learners build awareness, recognize responsibility, and take action as global citizens working to build a sustainable world. Held annually in June, the institute is designed for informal and K-12 educators from all roles and environments and is produced in partnership by Webster University, Missouri Botanical Garden, Saint Louis Zoo, Missouri Gateway Green Building Council, and additional partners. At the Institute, we define sustainability in an educational context, present examples of K-12 schools and resources for sustainability, and provide working sessions for educators to plan for how they can bring sustainability into their classrooms and institutions. A different theme is established each year and is explored through the lens of Education for Sustainability (EfS).
Sustainability Institute for Educators
The Sustainability Institute for Educators challenges participants to help learners build awareness, recognize responsibility, and take action as global citizens working to build a sustainable world. Held annually in June, the institute is designed for informal and K-12 educators from all roles and environments and is produced in partnership by Webster University, Missouri Botanical Garden, Saint Louis Zoo, Missouri Gateway Green Building Council, and additional partners. At the Institute, we define sustainability in an educational context, present examples of K-12 schools and resources for sustainability, and provide working sessions for educators to plan for how they can bring sustainability into their classrooms and institutions. A different theme is established each year and is explored through the lens of Education for Sustainability (EfS).
Join us and be a part of the Green Schools movement.
“The Green Schools Quest is the type of program that shines a light on the importance of sustainability and the interconnectivity of systems not only within our city, but also in the world. It is incredible to see the passion in the young children when they speak about our planet, and being a part of this program provides me with joy that is on a different level from my daily work.”
Questions? We’ve got answers.
Check out our FAQs below. For additional questions, contact us.
Why participate in the Green Schools Quest?
What schools participate in the Green Schools Quest?
How can my school participate in the Green Schools Quest?
Who are the Green Schools Quest mentors?
What are the Green Mentor responsibilities?
How do I become a Green Mentor?
What impact is the Green Schools Quest having?
What is the annual timeline of the Green Schools Quest?
What resources are available for schools and mentors participating in the 2022-2023 Green Schools Quest?
What is included in the final submission for the Green Schools Quest?
What is the 2022-2023 Focus of the Year?
What awards are presented, and how are they determined?
What is the Rainbow of Sustainability?
See highlights from the past year.
Attend the Green Schools Conference, March 3-4, 2025
Missouri Gateway Green Building Council is a proud promotional partner of the Green Schools Conference hosted by the Center for Green Schools, and we are excited to announce the 2025 Conference will be held in Orlando, Florida on March 3-4! This conference provides...
Winners of the 2023 – 2024 Green Schools Quest!
We had a record turnout at this 17th Annual Green Schools Event on April 25 where all of this year's Green Schools Quest Schools & Mentors were celebrated and winners of this year's Quest were announced. Congratulations to the winners an all the schools for...
Join us in Santa Fe for the Annual Green Schools Conference, March 5-7, 2024!
The Center for Green Schools will host an in-person conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico to explore topics related to sustainability in schools. As a promotional partner for this year’s conference, we encourage all of our members to explore the program and register....
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