How it works
Program summary
- King County schools and districts may progress through four program levels: Level One, Level Two, Level Three and Level Four.
- King County provides assistance and support.
- After completing criteria in each level, participating schools and districts receive recognition. Schools and districts that do not complete the criteria are still eligible to receive assistance.
Program steps
- Form a Green Schools team that will work together to educate students and staff, influence behavior changes and conserve
resources.
- School teams include two or more staff members such as teachers, principal, other administrator or custodian, along with interested students or a student group such as the ASB or an environmental club. Parents also may be involved.
- School district teams include district staff such as a resource conservation or facility manager, maintenance supervisor or similar position. The purchasing manager, superintendent, capital projects director, interested principals, teachers, students and parents also can join the district team.
- Complete a program application, either for a school or a school district.
- With assistance from King County, complete Level One Best Practices Guide, which focuses on waste reduction and recycling.
- Celebrate successes and receive recognition.
- If desired, complete Level Two and Level Three.
By completing the requirements in each category, schools and school districts will significantly improve their conservation practices. Schools and districts that do not complete the criteria are still eligible to receive assistance.
Level one
Each participant begins the program with Level One, which focuses on waste reduction and recycling practices. With county assistance, participants review the Best Practices Guide, develop an action plan, and complete actions and education/outreach in:
- waste reduction
- recycling
- hazardous materials management - Required for all secondary schools. Also required for elementary schools with ceramic arts programs.
Assistance from a program representative, along with the Level One Best Practices Guide, provides guidance on setting up and maintaining an effective, long-lasting waste reduction and recycling program.
By completing Level One, schools and districts reduce garbage volumes, increase recycling and conserve natural resources. Many schools reduce garbage disposal costs after improving their waste reduction and recycling practices.
Level two
To receive recognition as a Level Two Green School or Green School District, participants must complete the following:
- Maintain Level One practices.
- Add one more waste reduction or recycling practice from the Level One Best Practices Guide.
- Complete the Energy Conservation Best Practices Guide.
Level three
To receive recognition as a Level Three Green School or Green School District, participants must complete the following:
- Maintain Level One and Level Two practices.
- Add one more waste reduction or recycling practice.
- Complete the Water Conservation Best Practices Guide.
Level four
To receive recognition as a Level Four Green School or Green School District, participants complete the following.
- Maintain Level One, Level Two, and Level Three practices.
- Complete at least one additional action from any Best Practice Guide listed below and share the results with your school community.
Schools and districts receive recognition
Participants will be recognized after completing requirements in each program level.
Recognition for schools
Each school that completes Level One receives:
- "We are a King County Green School" banner
- Certificate of recognition
- Summary of the school's conservation successes on the program website
- Mention in a press release issued by King County
After completing Level Two, Level Three, or Level Four, each school receives:
- A Level Two, Level Three, or Level Four attachment to add to its banner
- Certificate of recognition for the level achieved
- Updated summary of the school's conservation successes on the program website
- Mention in a press release issued by King County
Recognition for school districts
Each school district that completes Level One receives:
- Certificate of recognition
- Summary of the district's conservation successes on the program website
- Mention in a press release issued by King County
After completing Level Two, Level Three, or Level Four, each school district receives:
- Certificate of recognition
- Updated summary of the district's conservation successes on the program website
