How the Cleaning Industry is Helping Shape LEED-EB Version 5

The Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Green Schools National Network (GSNN) named the recipients of the 2026 Best of Green Schools Awards. The awards recognized 10 U.S. schools, districts, organizations, and individuals for advancing environmental stewardship, creating healthy learning environments, and promoting education for a sustainable future. This year’s winners represent diverse groups and individuals from across the U.S., including Bellingham Public Schools in Washington, Colorado’s Seal of Climate Literacy program, and former New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy. Each recipient is celebrated for their hard work to advance the green schools movement in their communities. “The 2026 Best of Green Schools recipients have dedicated their time and energy to creating healthy environments for students and educators,” said Anisa Heming, USGBC director, Center for Green Schools. “America’s students deserve healthy, efficient, and inspiring schools that help them imagine a bright future for their communities. Each of the honorees’ work is a testament to the reach of the Green Schools movement and the measurable impact that dedicated individuals can have.” With more than one-sixth of Americans in pre-K–12 public schools each weekday, green schools deliver a wide array of community benefits. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR program, K–12 districts spend over $8 billion on energy annually, with more than 30% wasted. Energy-efficient schools cut that waste, lower utility bills, and save taxpayers money. They also create healthier learning environments that reduce student and staff absenteeism. Sustainably designed schools can raise nearby property values, attract business investment, and anchor vibrant neighborhoods. “The 2026 Best of Green Schools honorees remind us that sustainability in education is not just a goal, it’s a long-term commitment grounded in people, leadership, and strategic thinking,” Ileana Albareda, Green Schools National Network executive director, said. “Their work is shaping healthier, more resilient schools for students to learn and thrive. They are part of a growing network of changemakers, and their leadership continues to inspire others to take action and create lasting impact.” The honorees were recognized at the 2026 Green Schools Conference in San Diego, an annual event that brings together a national community of educators, school leaders, designers and advocates committed to whole-school sustainability. Across 10 categories, this year’s recipients are: School System—Bellingham Public Schools in Washington: Bellingham Public Schools in Washington exemplify how districts with limited staff capacity can still drive sustainability. The district has leveraged local experts and national networks to diligently prioritize sustainability in a systematic way that encompasses everything from building standards and procurement procedures to climate curriculum. Bellingham is one of the only school districts in the nation to monitor both indoor and outdoor air quality in preparation for wildfire smoke events. School System—The School District of Philadelphia: The School District of Philadelphia is a large urban public school district that has built a coordinated approach to sustainability through long-standing partnerships and close collaboration among operations, academics, and community organizations. Guided by GreenFutures, the district’s sustainability plan, the work supports progress in energy and resiliency planning, greenscapes and outdoor learning, waste reduction, health and indoor environmental quality, and student leadership that connects classroom learning with system-level priorities. The district shares its practices at the annual Summit for Sustainable Schools, publishing resources and collaborating with local and national partners so that other school systems can learn from what they have put into action. K-12 Educator—Laure Grove: Laure Grove is the lead environmental stewardship educator in Burke, Virginia, where innovative design and strong partnerships support hands-on environmental education. Under her leadership, Terra Centre Elementary earned consecutive Eco-Schools U.S. Green Flag Awards and launched a student-led monarch project that influenced Fairfax County to adopt the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge and implement countywide pollinator and sustainability initiatives. Through audits, advocacy, and community partnerships, Grove empowers students to build sustainability knowledge, leadership skills, and meaningful community impact. Policy Maker—Tammy Murphy, Former First Lady of New Jersey Tammy Murphy is recognized for her role in establishing the Office of Climate Change Education. Through this office, the state supports the implementation of climate change education across all K-12 learning standards, including all content areas. Because of her leadership on this first-of-its-kind initiative, New Jersey ensures that students are prepared across multiple content areas and understand how and why climate change occurs and its impacts. K-12 School—Berwyn Heights Elementary School in Maryland: Berwyn Heights Elementary School, in Prince George’s County Public Schools, Maryland, has sustainability embedded in the school's culture and curriculum. Notably, the school has received a 2025 Green Ribbon School state honor, has been awarded Sustainable Bronze Status from the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education, and, for the 18th consecutive year, has maintained its status as a Maryland Green School. The school has a long-standing commitment to reducing its environmental footprint through energy efficiency, student-led sustainability and conservation efforts, and outdoor spaces that support health and wellness. Ambassador—Robin Sidman: Robin Sidman, the founder and executive director of Project Green Schools, has built one of the nation’s leading organizations dedicated to developing the next generation of environmental leaders, engaging over 500,000 students across more than 6,500 schools worldwide. Through innovative programs like the National Green Schools Society and the National Youth Council, she has empowered students to design and lead sustainability projects, influence policy, and deliver measurable environmental impact in their communities. By bridging grassroots student action with national and international policy engagement, Sidman has created a scalable model for youth-led climate leadership. Student Leader—Kayla Ling: Kayla Ling is a passionate environmental advocate driven by global storytelling and community-based leadership. She is a winner of the National Geographic Slingshot Challenge, co-lead of the Nueva Environmental Club, co-lead of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby San Mateo County Youth Group, and co-host of the CEC Student Film Fest. Her goal is to help lead a cultural, economic, and political shift toward environmental justice. Business Leader—MCN Build: MCN Build is an award-winning general contractor founded in Washington, D.C., delivering resilient, high-performance facilities. Distinguished by their commitment to community enhancement, MCN Build specializes in transformative projects that foster economic

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How the Cleaning Industry is Helping Shape LEED-EB Version 5

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