20 Illinois Schools Recognized for their Sustainability Projects

Since October 2023, participating schools across Illinois have been hard at work identifying, planning, and implementing low-to-no cost sustainability projects for their schools and communities through the Illinois Green Schools Project. As the school year wraps up, we want to congratulate everyone who participated and reflect on the achievements and impact of their work.   Nearly…

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Wolcott College Prep: Student Led Green Shield Certification for Healthy Schools

Project Type: Path to Net Zero, Indoor Environmental Quality, Native Plant, Sustainability Plan Development, Waste Reduction Students: 6 Staff: 3 Mentors: Matt Johnson, Melissa Rodas Location: Chicago, IL Grade Level: 12th Grade The Project Wolcott College Prep brought Integrated Pest Management (IPM) expert Dr. Thomas Green to their school to provide students and staff with…

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Whitney M. Young High School: Green Team

Project Type: Path to Net Zero, Energy Conservation, Indoor Environmental Quality, Waste Reduction, Water Conservation Students: 45 Staff: 5 Mentor: Ajit Naik, Baumann Consulting Location: Chicago, IL Grade Levels: 9th – 12th The Project As a participant in the 2022-23 cohort of the Illinois Green Schools Project, the Whitney Young Green Team counts this year a…

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River Trails Middle School: Green Cafeteria

Project Type: Path to Net Zero, Indoor Environmental Quality, Waste Reduction Students: 70 Staff: 15 Mentor: Jason Meyering, Jason Meyering Architecture Location: Mount Prospect, IL Grade Levels: 6th – 8th The Project As a participant in the 2022-23 cohort of the Illinois Green Schools Project, River Trails Middle School desired to green up their cafeteria space…

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Whittier Elementary School: Lunchroom Waste Audit

Project Type: Path to Net Zero, Indoor Environmental Quality, Waste Reduction Students: 45 Staff: 5 Mentor: John Mlade, Wight & Co. Location: Downers Grove, IL Grade Level: 5th Grade Winner: Creative Use of Resources Award Whittier’s project was recognized with the Creative Use of Resources award by the panel of Illinois Green Schools Project reviewers.…

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Skinner North: Air Quality

Project Type: Indoor Environmental Quality Students: 25 Staff: 2 Mentors: Matt Johnson, Melissa Rodas Location: Chicago, IL Grade Level: 8th Grade Eighth graders at Skinner North researched how to measure and improve indoor air quality, and created a plan that involved integrating an indoor classroom garden. Faculty leaders hope that this single-classroom project can be applied…

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