Michigan Green Schools supports and celebrates the achievements of PreK-12 schools in protecting the state's air, land, water, and ecosystems through their commitments to environmental education and stewardship actions.
Previously operated as a non-profit 501(c)3 agency, the program's operation transferred to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) in 2021.
To earn MI Green Schools certification, a school must document the completion of at least 10 approved environmental activities throughout the school year. Schools can achieve one of three status levels, depending on the number of activities documented:
At least two activities must be completed from each of the four official Green School qualification categories to be eligible for any designation.
A school is eligible to receive a Green School, Emerald School, or Evergreen School Environmental Stewardship Designation depending on the number of activities completed by the school and/or students.
At least two activities must be completed from each of the four categories to be eligible for any designation. The four categories of activities for official Green School qualification are:
For questions about the Michigan Green Schools program, reach out to Samantha Lichtenwald at LichtenwaldS@Michigan.gov or 517-914-1257.
The aim of the Michigan Green Ribbon Schools (MI-GRS) and U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) is to inspire early learning centers, schools, districts, and Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) to strive for 21st century excellence by highlighting promising school sustainability practices and resources that all can employ. To that end, both awards recognize early learning centers, schools, districts, and IHEs that:
Combined progress in ALL three of these areas, known as the award Pillars, serves as the basis for both recognition.
Learn more about Green Ribbon Schools
NOTE: MI-GRS, ED-GRS, and Michigan Green Schools are different programs. While the programs have similar aims, each program has unique criteria, timelines, and application requirements.
