Greening Illinois Schools

Fourteen schools across Illinois joined the first Illinois Green Schools Project, launched by the Illinois Green Alliance last summer. The initiative links mentors and resources from the green building community with educators and students in K-12 schools, with the goal of devising and implementing no- and low-cost initiatives that support sustainability. At the halfway point, teams have identified particular projects and are moving forward with details and metrics. Projects include health and wellness herb gardens, a solar feasibility study, and the development of a “handprint”—a positive impact that goes beyond the concept of reducing carbon footprint. DMA Principal Jason Westrope is a member of the Illinois Green Alliance and one of many donors supporting the effort.