CHARLESTON The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) is pleased to announce the West Virginia Sustainable Schools Award. The initiative promotes a comprehensive approach to creating sustainable schools.

The West Virginia Sustainable Schools Award will recognize schools that exemplify a commitment to save energy and reduce operating costs, create environmentally friendly learning spaces, promote student health and incorporate sustainability literacy into the curriculum.

In December, schools in West Virginia will be able to submit a letter of intent to apply to the WVDE for recognition as a West Virginia Sustainable School. In January, schools will be asked to submit full applications and awards will be made in February.

The West Virginia Sustainable Schools program is part of the national Green Ribbon Schools program which was recently launched by the U.S. Department of Education. Four state schools recognized as West Virginia Sustainable Schools, will be nominated to become a Uniated States Green Ribbon School.

WVDE will release additional details within the next couple of weeks, including the application for schools to submit for consideration and the program timeline.

For more information about the West Virginia Sustainable Schools Award, contact the WVDE Communications Office at 304-558-2699. For more information on U.S. Green Ribbon Schools, please visit www2.ed.gov/programs/green-ribbon-schools.