Each year since 2012, the U.S. Department of Education has honored schools and districts across the country for commitment to sustainability by reducing environmental impacts, improving health and wellness, and offering environmental education. For the first time, Bellingham Public Schools received the Green Ribbon award.
The district was selected due to its part in Puget Sound Energy’s Commercial Strategic Energy Management program, its compliance with “solar-ready” standards for all buildings and its use of rain barrels and other equipment to reclaim water.
Bellingham Public Schools promotes alternative transportation by offering free bus passes and encouraging bike riding. It also has incorporated more environmental science curricula in elementary, middle and high schools. Its commitment to “reimagining” food services by including farm-fresh meals from scratch and “culturally appropriate” foods were also mentioned.
This award comes in wake of the creation of the district’s new Sustainability Task Force and the passage of a 2022 facilities bond which allots $20 million toward sustainability, safety and accessibility projects.
“This award also brings extra energy and excitement to our newly convened Sustainability Task Force in the district as they build a strategic plan for facilities, including addressing facilities upgrades, changes to habits and culture, and developing students who are environmental protectors,” Superintendent Greg Baker said in a letter to the community. “This award propels and inspires new learning and best practices for our staff and community.”
Deputy Secretary Cindy Mullen, left, listens to Superintendent Greg Baker during a roundtable at Alderwood Elementary School.
(Hailey Hoffman/Cascadia Daily News)
The new task force aims to align sustainability efforts with the district’s strategic plan, develop a standard expectation for waste, water and energy usage, and determine what sustainability and environmental issues the district should prioritize.
The Sustainability Task Force will submit a sustainability master plan to the superintendent in June.
With the funding from the bond, the district plans to include wetland mitigation and habitat restoration in new builds. Buildings also will be upgraded to enhance energy efficiency.
The award comes days after the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education, Cindy Marten, visited Bellingham to see how American Rescue Plan Act funds were being used.
