How it Works

Program summary

King County schools and districts may progress through three program levels: Level One, Level Two, and Level Three. Beyond Level Three, schools and districts may receive recognition as a Sustaining Green School or Sustaining Green School District.
King County provides assistance, resources, tools, 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 to educate students and staff members about conservation, encourage sustainable practices, and help conserve resources.
- For schools: School teams include two or more staff members such as a teacher, an administrator (principal or assistant principal), or custodian. Parents also may be involved. A student team such as ASB, Green Team, or other student group is encouraged, but not required to participate in the program. After a school signs up to participate, the program can advise the school on forming or developing a student team.
- For school districts: District level teams include district staff members such as a resource conservation manager, curriculum director, facility manager, maintenance supervisor, transportation direction, food services manager, and similar positions. The purchasing manager, superintendent, capital projects director, and interested principals, teachers, students, and parents also can join the district team.
Complete a program application, either for a school or a school district. Include on the application form the names, titles, and contact information for at least two staff members (see above).
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 – and then, beyond Level Three, become a Sustaining Green School or Sustaining Green School District.

Camelot Elementary students in lunch room — Camelot Elementary students help to start the new recycling program in the lunchroom.

Level One

Each participant begins with Level One which focuses on waste reduction and recycling practices. With King County assistance, participants review the Best Practices Guide and complete actions and education/outreach in waste reduction, recycling, and hazardous materials management.

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 participants 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 complete the following:

Maintain Level One practices.
Add one more waste reduction or recycling practice or educational/outreach strategy from the Level One Best Practices Guide.
Complete criteria in the Energy Conservation Best Practices Guide.

Level Three

To receive recognition as a Level Three Green School or Green School District, participants complete the following:

Maintain Level One and Level Two practices.
Add one more waste reduction or recycling practice or educational/outreach strategy from the Level One Best Practices Guide.
Complete criteria in the Water Conservation Best Practices Guide.

Beyond Level Three

Sustaining Green School / Sustaining Green School District

To receive recognition as a Sustaining Green School or Sustaining 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 Practices Guide listed below and share the results with your school community.

Schools and districts receive recognition

Participants will be recognized after completing criteria 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 meeting criteria in each program level, each school receives:

A Level Two or Level Three sticker for its banner, or a Sustaining Green School ribbon to hang on 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