Carl Sandburg Elementary/Discovery Community School in Kirkland is one of three schools and three districts who have been recognized with a Washington State Green Leader Award for 2014. The school is being recognized for its progress toward reducing environmental impact and costs.

Schools and districts complete an online application to become a Green Ribbon School. A state committee scores completed applications and may nominate up to four schools or districts. The state committee also selects schools and districts as Washington State Green School and District leaders if they excel in one or more of the pillars.

Carl Sandburg Elementary/Discovery Community School was selected by the state for its accomplishments in Pillar 1, reducing environmental impact and costs. The school’s Pillar 1 achievements include the following.

An effective recycling program:

• The school recycles 56 percent of its solid waste

Participation in a Green Schools program:

• The school has received assistance from the King County Green Schools Program since 2007, and has received recognition from King County for completing waste reduction and recycling education and actions (Level One) and energy conservation education and actions (Level Two).

• See the school’s Green Schools Program success story, which highlights the student Earth Helper’s Club. In 2013, the Club received a King County Earth Hero at School award.

Successful energy conservation systems and practices:

• The school’s energy conservation practices decreased energy use at the school by 25 percent, which earned the school recognition from the school district.

For more information on the Green Ribbon Schools Program, visit the OSPI website.