The Healthy Green Schools & Colleges program will help facility professionals identify low- or no-cost measures that can make a major difference in health and indoor air quality. The program was developed in partnership with recognized school facility management leaders and covers the full range of facilities management practices:
- Cleaning and Disinfecting
- Integrated Pest Management
- Sustainable Purchasing
- HVAC and Electric Maintenance
- Indoor Air Quality Testing and Monitoring
- Training and Communications
Features
The Healthy Green Schools & Colleges program is designed to be accessible for schools across the spectrum, whether you are just getting started exploring environmental health and sustainability improvements or are already a leader. It includes:
- A self-assessment tool for schools to objectively measure their indoor environmental health and sustainability performance.
- A science-based standard with a points-based scoring system, to encourage schools to keep improving at their own pace.
- Guidebooks, trainings and other resources to support continual improvement.
- Access to a peer network of sustainability professionals who are on a similar journey.
- Recognition from a respected non-profit authority and certification for schools that reach the top level of achievement.
Program Participation
Standard Participant (Individual): $3,500/year for three years
The Standard Participant package includes:
- Access to a national online peer network
- Online educational resources
- Webinars on timely topics (4-6/year)
- Invitation to one in-person event per year (travel not included)
- Opportunity to apply for certification
- Listing on the HGSC website
- Promotion in HGSC social media and newsletters
- Access to a HGSC participation seal for use on school’s website, printed materials, and gear
- Social media toolkit and promotional graphics
- Customizable press release
Premium Participant (Team): $6,000/year for three years
Includes everything in the Standard Participant package for unlimited team members, plus:
- Invitation to four shared learning groups on separate topics
- Workshops on how to communicate your achievement to school stakeholders
- Quarterly virtual check-ins from a program ambassador to support your school’s progress toward certification and beyond
Certification
Earn public recognition for your verified expertise in providing healthy school environments. Schools that reach the top level of achievement in the Healthy Green Schools & Colleges program can apply for third-party certification at no additional program cost.
Certified schools receive:
- A certificate
- Access to the Healthy Green Schools & Colleges Certification Mark for use on signs, window decals, plaques, school gear or other materials
- Prominent recognition on the HGSC website
- Consideration for inclusion in HGSC panels at national conferences and events
- A press release announcement from HGSC
- A spotlight feature in the HGSC blog and newsletter
- Access to customizable graphics and promotional materials
Meeting a Critical Need
The pandemic made creating healthy school environments an urgent national priority and brought to light the serious under-investment in school facilities nationwide. But the fact is, even before the pandemic, nearly half of U.S. schools reported indoor air quality problems that put the health of students and staff at risk.
Unhealthy indoor air, inadequate ventilation, and chemical exposure from cleaning and maintenance routines continue to present systemic challenges in school districts. On top of health concerns, these issues are linked to poor concentration and test performance in students, adding preventable barriers to achievement.
Schools have a rare opportunity right now to focus on their facilities. The American Rescue Plan and 2021 Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act provided tens of billions for American schools, including funds that can be used for health- and sustainability focused facility upgrades.
How schools manage their facilities speaks to how they value their students, staff, and community. Healthy Green Schools & Colleges helps you provide a quality of school facility that every student in America deserves.
How schools manage their facilities speaks to how they value their students, staff, and community. Healthy Green Schools & Colleges helps you provide a quality of school facility that every student in America deserves.