PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island College and Moses Brown School have been named 2017 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools.
They are the only two schools in Rhode Island to receive the Green Ribbon designation for their environmental, health and wellness efforts.
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A total of 63 honorees were recognized nationwide and honored for their “innovative efforts” to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, and ensure effective sustainability education.
RIC is one of only nine higher education institutions in the nation to receive the Postsecondary Sustainability designation, while Moses Brown was among 45 schools. An additional nine districts also were recognized.
Said Frank Sánchez, president of Rhode Island College, “Rhode Island College has a long-standing tradition of sustainability, particularly as it relates to our broader commitments to quality, value and innovation. This accomplishment is due to a focused, campus-wide effort to make the college a national model for sustainable practices and programs.”
In 2009, RIC established the Rhode Island College Green Team. Several cost-saving initiatives were launched, including waste reduction, recycling, energy efficiency, green cleaning and sustainable grounds management, according to a news release from the school.
RIC is serviced by a central heating plant that uses both light oil and natural gas, and provides steam for heat, hot water and steam absorption chillers for air conditioning.
RIC graduates also wear caps and gowns made from recycled plastic water bottles, which are then collected after graduation to be re-purposed into carpeting. The college decreased the amount of waste disposed by 55 tons from 2015 to 2016, largely by working with Goodwill Industries of Rhode Island, which has helped to divert tens of thousands of pounds of material destined for the landfill by collecting the school’s used clothing and e-waste.
Moses Brown was recognized for reducing its environmental impact, as well as its sustainability committee. Environmental education is woven in the curriculum, and the school also has a weather station.
In addition, Moses Brown recently installed a new boiler plant and solar panels, and 90 percent of the facility has motion-sensor lights. Also, the field house has been retrofitted with LED lighting, according to information from the federal education department.
“I commend each school, district and institution of higher education for their efforts to create a healthy learning environment for students, faculty and staff,” U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos said in a statement. “These schools have done exemplary work to help prepare the rising generation for the careers and challenges of the 21st Century.”
Lori Stabile is the PBN Web Editor.
