Kent and Tahoma schools are recipients of this year’s U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon awards.

Kent School District is among the 14 inaugural honorees of the School District Sustainability Award. The district also received recognition as a Level Three King County Green School District.

Glacier Park Elementary and Tahoma Senior High are among the 64 schools nationwide announced as 2013 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools.

Kent School District, Glacier Park Elementary, Tahoma Senior High, and The Evergreen School were nominated for the U.S. Green Ribbon awards by the Washington state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction for their exemplary efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, promote better health and ensure effective environmental education, including civics and green career pathways.

In addition to the Green Ribbon Schools, Washington state designated Mercer Island School District and Tahoma School District, which are both King County Green School districts, among the four school districts to be named 2013 Green District Leaders. These two school districts were recognized by the state for their achievements in environmental impact and energy efficiency, and environmental and sustainability education.

“Thanks to the Green Schools Program, our district’s carbon footprint has been reduced and student and staff environmental awareness have increased,” said Beth Gilbertson, environmental services supervisor at Kent School District. “We look forward to many more years of partnering with King County to sustain our waste reduction, recycling, and other conservation practices.”