Every school in Illinois can start on the path towards a greener, more sustainable future.
Nominated Illinois Green Ribbon Schools demonstrate progress in three pillars.
Reduce Environmental Impact & Costs
Improve Health & Wellness
Environmental &
Sustainability Education
If a school is nominated at the state level, their application is sent to the national level for potential recognition as a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School.
Illinois Green Ribbon Schools serve as models for integrating environmental sustainability into every aspect of our schools.
2022 Honorees from Illinois

Urban Prairie Waldorf School
This K-8 school on Chicago’s near West Side instills a love of learning and reverence for the world in their students. The curriculum incorporates nature experiences, outdoor movement-based learning, city excursions, and learning by doing. UPWS adopted a Sustainability Charter in 2019 and focused new efforts on reducing the environmental impact and costs of the school’s 70-year-old facility, including retrofitting its lighting to reduce electricity usage, installing its first solar array, and renovating its outdoor spaces for students to play, work, and learn.
Community High School District 99
Located in Downers Grove, D99 immerses students in a culture of sustainability and well-being. D99 challenges students in and outside of class to develop creative solutions for current environmental issues, and provides opportunities to conduct cutting-edge ecological research alongside professionals. Students also direct a variety of their own clubs and projects, taking the initiative to promote sustainability and raise money for local non-profits. D99 signed new energy contracts in 2020 to power 100% of the school building's electricity usage with wind energy.


Northwestern University
Located in Evanston, Northwestern University serves as a leader in sustainability in on-site renewables, student engagement, and curriculum. With three solar arrays on campus, geothermal in multiple buildings, and a decreasing EUI while the campus expands, there is a large presence in sustainability in the built environment. Students engage in sustainability through the dining hall reusables program, Earth Month celebration activities, and increased biking on campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
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