Green Schools

Specific Judging Considerations

• To recognize schools that encourage pollution prevention projects on their campuses while increasing the environmental awareness of students and staff; awarded to 1 k-12 school and 1 institution of higher education
• Effectiveness in addressing issues relating to air quality; energy, land, or water conservation; hazardous materials management; or solid waste reduction
• Participation by the student body, staff, faculty, and community

2008 Winner of Green Schools

Green Schools -- K-12

Winner – The Harpeth Hall School – Environmental Stewardship (Davidson County)

The Harpeth Hall School formed a campus-wide Environmental Stewardship Committee to look broadly at the school’s environmental practices to explore more green initiatives, expand existing programs, and make Harpeth Hall a leader for environmental sustainability among educational facilities. Some of the 2007-2008 initiatives include adding more recycle bins on campus; eliminating plastic take-out containers and styrofoam cups and replacing them with recyclable paper containers; serving locally produced fruits and vegetables in the dining hall; using green cleaning products; installing bike racks on campus; installing operable windows for fresh air; using bamboo flooring and linoleum when renovating; and using native plants on campus. The Tennessee Urban Forestry Council certified Harpeth Hall in 2007 as an arboretum.

Green Schools -- Higher Education

Winner – Vanderbilt University: The Commons (Davidson County)

The Commons Project consists of five newly constructed residence houses, five renovated residence houses, and the Commons Center on Vanderbilt's Peabody campus. The Commons is the foundation of Vanderbilt University ’s College Halls System, a residential college program. This project has become a touchstone for collaborative environmental initiatives of all types and has made The Commons a showcase of sustainability and a model for comprehensive environmental responsibility on a college campus. LEED certification of new and renovated buildings, attractive and energy-saving building features, waste reduction and recycling programs, use of alternative fuels, selection of recycled and renewable materials and educational demonstrations for each of these items are incorporated into every aspect of life at The Commons. Exposing all of Vanderbilt’s first-year students to the sustainable features of The Commons will help disseminate these concepts, wherever these students go, for decades to come.