This program level is for schools and school districts that have been recognized as Level One, Two, and Three King County Green Schools or Green School Districts. Schools and districts can earn this recognition each year.

A school or district can be recognized as a Sustaining Green School or Green School District each year it:

• Continues education and actions from previous program levels (Level One - waste reduction and recycling; Level Two - energy conservation; and Level Three - water conservation and pollution prevention).
• Completes a new activity or project, in any sustainability area – waste reduction and recycling, energy conservation, water conservation and pollution prevention, healthy schools, transportation, or green building. The activity or project can include education, outreach, advocacy, practices, or policies in your school, district, or a community beyond your school.

Each school year your school or district earns recognition at this level, you will receive:

• an electronic icon for websites and newsletters; and
• an updated success story on the program website.
• See success stories to find your school or district story and learn what other schools and districts have done.

Sustaining Green Schools also receive a Sustaining Green School ribbon (with the school year in which it achieved recognition) to place on its Green Schools banner. (See banner sample below.)

Best practices, resources, and recognition

For schools

• Sustaining Green Schools - Best Practices GuideDownload PDF 275 K.
• Recognition form for Schools: Sustaining Green School
• IMPORTANT: If you are unable to complete this form in one sitting, click the "Save" button in the bottom right of the form. You will receive an email with a link to your form so you can return to the form and continue filling it out. After you complete the form, hit the "Submit" button at the bottom of the form.

For school districts

• Best Practices Guide for Sustaining Green School Districts Download Microsoft Word document 375 K

For assistance, contact GreenSchools@kingcounty.gov email the King County Green Schools Program

Sustain and expand your green school practices!

Tips for continued success as a King County Green School:

• Educate and remind! To educate new students and staff and to remind those returning to the school, make weekly announcements (over the PA system, in classrooms, and in the cafeteria) about what materials can and can't be recycled. Also make announcements about your school's waste reduction, energy conservation, and water conservation practices throughout the school year -- especially at the beginning of the school year, in early January, and in early spring.
• Set regular Green Team meetings: Schedule meeting dates for your Green Team or other student group(s) who will work on conservation education and actions. Recruit new student and staff members. Ask the King County Green Schools Program for recommendations and guidance.
• Receive free education programs: Visit King County's Education & schools assistance for information on elementary school assemblies, classroom workshops for grades 1 - 12, and other resources.

Share your successes!

• Celebrate: Promote your success story by making announcements at your school, placing your highest level Green Schools' logo on your website, and including an article in a PTSA newsletter with a link to your school's success story.
• Showcase your banner: Schools - Display your Green Schools banner with its highest level Green Schools' sticker or ribbon. Districts – Display your Green Schools certificate.
• Recognize: Congratulate outstanding "green" students and staff. You may print certificates by using the templates on our website.
• Mentor another school(s) in your district: The King County Green Schools Program can connect you with staff members and teams at other schools in your district who would like to be mentored by another school.
• Hold a "Green Schools" or "Green Team" summit with other schools in your district: Organize a gathering of staff members and student leaders who want to share their successes and learn from others.