South Bay School Chosen For Nationwide Environmental Award

LOS ALTOS, CA — A South Bay school was one of 27 schools in the country to be recognized as a 2021 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School, an award given to schools that effectively reduce environmental impact and costs, improve health and wellness and offer effective sustainability education.

Los Altos High School was also one of the two Bay Area schools to receive the recognition. The other was the Nueva School in San Mateo County.

In a report nominating the school, the California Department of Education cited its work in environmental action initiatives like the student-run Green Team and its certification as a Santa Clara County Green Business since 2010.

Los Altos High also runs on clean energy sources, and 55 percent of its energy is provided by solar panels. The campus has a LEED Gold-certified classroom that uses bioswales to limit surface runoff and return rainwater to the aquifer.

In a news release Thursday, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona congratulated the recipients for offering healthy, safe and efficient school environments.

"The pandemic has driven home the vital importance of school buildings and grounds; health and wellness; and hands-on authentic learning," Cardona said. "Not surprisingly, many of our honorees support students in underserved communities, proving once again that green schools' practices, encompassing best practices school operations, health, and environmental learning, are critical tools to advance equity."