2025 Utah Green Schools Application

IMPORTANT DATES:

Once you enter the application process, the USEE team will support you as you complete the required documentation.

All Utah Green Schools applications are due by February 9th, 2025.

All Green Ribbon School applications are due by February 9th, 2025.

USEE will notify all applicants of their status by Earth Day April 22nd, 2025.

Thank you for your interest in being recognized as a Utah Green School. There are two parts to this application. First, complete this form to the best of your knowledge/ability.

There are 42 multiple choice items total. The first 5 questions are not scored and do not count for or against your status. It is not required or expected that your school accomplishes all of the items listed, other than indicating what you have accomplished at your respective school. Then, complete the narrative form. This allows us to capture more complete information regarding the accomplishments of Utah Green Schools. We want to share your stories and successes!

Every school that completes the process, and earns a TOTAL MINIMUM OF 25 POINTS, will be recognized as a Utah Green School. The end result will serve as a benchmark for each school to build on from year to year, and not as a comparison to other schools.

Schools will be notified of their Utah Green Schools status prior to the end of the school year.

Please contact David Kimberly, director@usee.org, if you have any questions.

Question Title

* 1. Demographic Information w 0

Your Name

Title

School Address

Principal

School demographics: urban, rural, suburban

Number of students:

Grades Served

Public/Charter/Private

Our school is a Title I School (yes/no)

Our school has a Sustainability Coordinator or Sustainability Committee

Question Title

* 2. Check all that apply: w 0

Early Learning

Elementary

Middle

High

Public

Charter

Magnet

Non-Public

Career and Technical

Urban

Rural

Suburban

Question Title

* 3. Provide percentages, if any are relevant to your school, district, or institution: w 0

Free and Reduced Price Lunch:

Minority:

Limited English Proficient:

Special Education:

Graduation Rate:

Attendance Rate:

Question Title

* 4. Please provide the following w 0

Total Enrolled:

Number of Schools:

Buildings:

Campuses:

Question Title

* 5. Do you give USEE permission to use any comments/testimonials for promotional purposes? w 0

Yes, but anonymous please.

Yes, and you can use my name.

No, thank you.

Pillar 1: Your Efforts to Reduce Environmental Impact and Costs

Question Title

* 6. Water Usage and Conservation

Has your school taken an initial baseline of your water usage? w 0

Yes (2)

No (0)

I don't know (0)

Question Title

* 7. Water Usage and Conservation

Does your school use low flush toilets and other water conservation measures? w 0

low flush toilets and other water conservation measures (2)

some water conservation methods (1)

no water conservation methods (0)

Question Title

* 8. Water Usage and Conservation

Does your school conduct regular audits of facilities and irrigation systems to ensure the campus is free of significant water leaks and to identify opportunities for savings? w 0

Yes (2)

No (0)

I don’t know (0)

Question Title

* 9. Water Usage and Conservation

Does your school use any alternative water sources for irrigation? w 0

Yes (2)

No (0)

I don't know (0)

Question Title

* 10. Water Usage and Conservation

Does your school's landscape include water-wise or regionally appropriate/ native plants? Check all that apply. w 0

Yes, water-wise plants (3)

Yes, regionally appropriate/native plants (2)

No (0)

I don't know (0)

Question Title

* 11. Stormwater Management

Does your school have a campus-wide stormwater management policy? w 0

My school has adopted a campus-wide stormwater management policy or guideline that includes existing operations, new construction, and major renovations. (3)

My school has adopted a campus-wide stormwater management policy or guideline. (2)

This does not apply to our school. (0)

Question Title

* 12. Recycling & Waste Reduction

Does your school participate in a recycling or waste reduction program? w 0

My school recycles mutilate materials, including paper, plastics, glass and food waste (3)

My school recycles some materials (like paper through Green Fiber) (1)

My school does not currently in a recycle & waste reduction program (0)

Question Title

* 13. Sustainable Purchasing

Does your school apply sustainability principles to purchasing decisions? w 0

My School follows a sustainable purchasing procedure with triple line criteria that includes a vendor code of conduct (3)

My school applies guidelines or standards for sustainable purchasing (2)

My school applies sustainability principles to purchasing decisions (1)

This does not apply to our school. (0)

Question Title

* 14. Chemical Management

Does your school properly dispose of hazardous, universal, and non-regulated chemical waste? w 0

My school has a chemical management plan that includes waste-minimization goals and exceeds all state and federal regulations to properly acquire store, and dispose of all hazardous, universal, and non-regulated chemical waste. (3)

My school follows all state and federal regulations to properly store and dispose of all hazardous, universal, and non-regulated chemical waste. (2)

My school follows all state and federal regulations to properly dispose of all hazardous, universal, and non-regulated chemical waste. (1)

This does not apply to our school. (0)

Question Title

* 15. Electronic Waste

Does your school reuse or recycle computers and other forms of electronic waste? w 0

My school attempts to reuse or recycle all electronic waste, then goes beyond all state and federal regulations to responsibly dispose of any remaining electronic waste by using a certified third party. (3)

My school attempts to reuse or recycle all electronic waste, then follows all state and federal regulations to properly dispose of any remaining electronic waste. (2)

My school attempts to reuse or recycle all computers, then follows all state and federal regulations to properly dispose of any remaining computers. (1)

This does not apply to our school. (0)

Question Title

* 16. End of Year Recycling Program

Does your school have an organized end-of-year cleanout aimed at reusing and or recycling? w 0

Yes, there is an organized end of year cleanout that rescues and or recycles all applicable waste (2)

Yes, there is an organized end of cleanout aimed at rescuing and or recycle waste (1)

This does not apply to our school.(0)

Question Title

* 17. Waste Diversion

Does your school divert any amount of waste by weight? w 0

My school diverts at least 70% of its waste by weight. (3)

My school diverts at least 30% of its waste by weight. (2)

My school diverts at least 10% of its waste by weight. (1)

This does not apply to our school. (0)

Question Title

* 18. Climate & Emissions (Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Inventory)

Has your school conducted GHG emissions during the last two years? w 0

Yes (2)

This does not apply to our school. (0)

I'm not sure and would like more information on how to achieve this.(0)

Question Title

* 19. Outdoor Air Quality

Has your school adopted outdoor air quality policies or guidelines? w 0

My school has adopted an outdoor air quality policy or guideline that includes idling restrictions, signage in all drop-off areas, and pollutant minimization from all mobile and stationary sources. (3)

My school has adopted an outdoor air quality policy or guideline that includes idling restrictions, signage in all drop-off areas, and pollutant minimization from groundskeeping equipment. (2)

My school has adopted a no-idling policy or guideline and has signage in all drop-off areas. (1)

This does not apply to our school. (0)

Question Title

* 20. Buildings & Grounds (Design & Construction)

Does your school consider sustainability initiatives and principles for renovations and new construction? w 0

My school has a building policy or guideline that requires all renovations and new construction to be certified through a third party as meeting or exceeding LEED Gold standards. (3)

My school has a building policy or guideline that ensures all renovations and new construction meet or exceed LEED Silver standards. (2)

My school considers sustainability initiatives and principles for all renovations and new construction. (1)

This does not apply to our school. (0)

Question Title

* 21. Energy & Efficiency (Renewable Energy)

Does a percentage of your school's energy come from renewable sources? w 0

My school has determined that at least 50% of the energy it consumes for heating and electricity, including the local utility mix, comes from renewable sources. (3)

My school has determined that at least 20% of the energy it consumes for heating and electricity, including the local utility mix, comes from renewable sources. (2)

This does not apply to our school. (0)

Question Title

* 22. Biodiversity Management

Does your school have a biodiversity management strategy or programs? w 0

My school has programs in place to protect and/or create wildlife habitat on school property. (3)

My school has some biodiversity management strategies in place. (2)

This does not apply to our school. (0)

Question Title

* 23. Grounds Management

Does your school maintain school grounds in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management or organic land care standards? w 0

My school maintains grounds in accordance with an organic land care standard, is certified under the Sustainable SITES Initiative, or is certified under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). (3)

My school maintains grounds in accordance with a sustainable land care program that includes water conservation, native plant prioritization, and an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan. (2)

My school maintains grounds in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan. (1)

This does not apply to our school. (0)

Question Title

* 24. Composting and Food Waste

Does your school have a food waste or compost program? w 0

My school has a campus-wide pre-consumer and post-consumer food waste composting program. (3)

My school has a campus-wide pre-consumer food waste composting program. (2)

My school has a food waste composting program. (1)

This does not apply to our school.

Question Title

* 25. Strategic Planning

Does your school’s strategic plan include a sustainability commitment? w 0

My school's strategic plan includes sustainability as a guiding principle. (3)

My school's strategic plan includes a commitment to sustainability. (2)

This does not apply to our school. (0)

Question Title

* 26. Cafeteria Practices

Does your school’s cafeteria or dining service use reusable, recyclable, or compostable tableware? w 0

My school cafeteria or dining service uses only reusable tableware and has eliminated disposable trays. (3)

My school cafeteria or dining service uses reusable or compostable tableware and has eliminated disposable trays. (2)

My school cafeteria or dining service uses reusable, recyclable, or compostable tableware. (1)

This does not apply to our school. (0)

Question Title

* 27. School Gardens for Food

Do you grow any food at your school (i.e. school garden, Wasatch Community Gardens)? w 0

Yes (2)

No (0)

I don’t know (0)

Question Title

* 28. School Gardens for Food

Do any teachers or student groups utilize produce grown on campus (special activities, sales to parents, etc.)? w 0

Yes (2)

No (0)

I don’t know (0)

Question Title

* 29. School Vehicles

Is your school actively working to provide vehicle transportation that is environmentally responsible and efficient (busses, fleet vehicles)?

Check all that apply. w 0

Compressed Natural Gas(1)

Biodiesel(1)

Hybrid(2)

Electric (2)

Yes, we plan for any new vehicles purchased to be environmentally responsible and efficient (1)

No (0)

I don't know (0)

Pillar 2: Your Efforts to Improve the Health and Wellness of Students and Staff

Question Title

* 30. Indoor Air Quality

Does your school have an indoor air quality management plan? w 0

My school has an indoor air quality management plan that includes semi-annual audits, corrective action, school-wide education, and participation of students, faculty, and staff. (3)

My school has an indoor air quality management plan that includes annual audits and education for faculty and staff. (2)

My school has an indoor air quality management plan. (1)

This does not apply to our school. (0)

Question Title

* 31. Green Cleaning

Does your school use green cleaning standards? w 0

My school applies a green cleaning standard that requires at least 90% of all cleaning products to be Green Seal or EcoLogo certified and includes green cleaning training for all faculty and staff. (3)

My school applies a green cleaning standard that requires at least 50% of all cleaning products to be Green Seal or EcoLogo certified. (2)

My school applies a green cleaning standard that requires at least 10% of all cleaning products to be Green Seal or EcoLogo certified. (1)

This does not apply to our school. (0)

Question Title

* 32. Water Quality

Does your school voluntarily test for lead in potable water sources? w 0

Yes (3)

No (0)

I don’t know (0)

Question Title

* 33. Indoor Environmental Quality

All ground-contact classrooms have been tested for radon within the past 24 months? w 0

Yes (3)

No (0)

I don’t know (0)

Question Title

* 34. Student Health

Does your school meet the minimum requirement of state-mandated physical activity for your grade level? w 0

Yes (2)

No (0)

I don’t know (0)

Question Title

* 35. Lead Testing

How often is the school grounds’ soil tested for lead or other contaminants? w 0

Every six months(2)

Annually (1)

I don’t know (0)

Pillar 3: Your Efforts to Ensure Effective Environmental and Sustainability Education

Question Title

* 36. We have earned Utah STEM School Designation within the last 5 years.

http://stem.utah.gov/for-educators/stem-schools-designation/ w 0

Yes (4)

This does not apply to our school. (0)

Question Title

* 37. What percentage of your Utah STEM School Designation efforts would you say were related to the environment/sustainability? w 0

More than 50% (3)

25-50% (2)

Less than 25% (1)

This does not apply to our school (0)

Question Title

* 38. Outdoor Learning Environments

Has your school identified an outdoor learning environment that is integrated into at least 1 academic subject? w 0

My school has identified at least 2 readily-accessible outdoor learning environments that are each integrated into at least 2 academic subjects or courses per grade. (3)

My school has identified at least 1 readily-accessible outdoor learning environment that is integrated into at least 1 academic subject or course per grade. (2)

This does not apply to our school. (0)

Question Title

* 39. Student Orientation

During your school's, orientation are students educated about campus sustainability? w 0

My school prominently includes campus sustainability education in its student orientations through activities and programming. (3)

My school educates students about campus sustainability during orientations or at the beginning of the school year. (2)

This does not apply to our school. (0)

Question Title

* 40. Field Trips and Outdoor Programming

Does your school participate in field trips(s) that encourage extracurricular activities that include outdoor programming, including, but not limited to: camping, hiking, ropes courses, and more? w 0

My school requires that all students participate in at least 1 school-sponsored ongoing outdoor program. (3)

My school offers at least 1 school-sponsored ongoing outdoor program and encourages students to participate. (2)

My school offers information about or access to local outdoor programs and encourages students to participate. (1)

This does not apply to our school. (0)

Question Title

* 41. Sustainability Events

Does your school hold sustainability events? w 0

My school holds at least 3 events related to sustainability each year, such as assemblies, fairs, or summits, with students as the intended audience. (3)

My school holds at least 2 events related to sustainability each year, such as assemblies, fairs, or summits, with students as the intended audience. My school holds at least 2 events related to sustainability each year, such as assemblies, fairs, or summits, with students as the intended audience. (2)

My school holds at least 1 event related to sustainability each year, such as an assembly, fair, or summit, with students as the intended audience. (1)

This does not apply to our school. (0)

Question Title

* 42. Environmental & Sustainability Activities

Does your school have student engagement or organizations related to sustainability? w 0

My school has an active student group focusing on environmental and/or sustainability activities that implement at least 3 student-led initiatives per year. (3)

My school has an active student group focusing on environmental and/or sustainability activities. (2)

My school has student engagement in environmental and/or sustainability activities. (1)

This does not apply to our school. (0)

Question Title

* 43. Teaching Sustainability

Does your school offer sustainability-related content? w 0

My school offers sustainability-related content in at least 3 academic subjects or courses per grade. (3)

My school offers sustainability-related content in at least 2 academic subjects or courses per grade. (2)

My school offers sustainability-related content in at least 1 academic subject or course per grade. (1)

This does not apply to our school. (0)

Question Title

* 44. Sustainability & Environmental Education Professional Learning

Have teachers at your school participated in or received training on sustainability or environmental education? w 0

Over the past year, teachers at my school have received training on integrating sustainability and environmental education into the curriculum (3)

This does not apply to our school (0)

Question Title

* 45. Sustainability Communications

Does your school provide opportunities for sustainability and report this progress to the school community? w 0

My school provides ongoing formal communication from the administration on sustainability programs, opportunities, and progress to the school community, local region, and external partners. (3)

My school provides ongoing formal communication from the administration on sustainability programs, opportunities, and progress to the school community. (2)

This does not apply to our school. (0)

Question Title

* 46. Service Learning & Community Engagement Focused on Environmental and Sustainability Issues in the Community

Does your school offer information or service-learning opportunities? w 0

My school's students complete at least 20 hours of service-learning or community service per student each year. (3)

My school's students complete an average of at least 3 hours of service-learning or community service per student per year. (2)

My school offers information about or access to service learning or community service opportunities for students. (1)

This does not apply to our school. (0)

Question Title

* 47. Community Partnerships

Does your school have long-term partnerships with community members or organizations that advance sustainability? w 0

My school has at least 2 long-term partnerships within the local community that advance community sustainability through collaborative governance and project development. (3)

My school has at least 1 long-term partnership within the local community that advances community sustainability through collaborative governance and project development. (2)

This does not apply to our school. (0)

2025 Utah Green Schools Application

Question Title

* 1. Demographic Information w 0

Question Title

* 2. Check all that apply: w 0

Question Title

* 3. Provide percentages, if any are relevant to your school, district, or institution: w 0

Question Title

* 4. Please provide the following w 0

Question Title

* 5. Do you give USEE permission to use any comments/testimonials for promotional purposes? w 0

Question Title

* 6. Water Usage and ConservationHas your school taken an initial baseline of your water usage? w 0

Question Title

* 7. Water Usage and ConservationDoes your school use low flush toilets and other water conservation measures? w 0

Question Title

* 8. Water Usage and ConservationDoes your school conduct regular audits of facilities and irrigation systems to ensure the campus is free of significant water leaks and to identify opportunities for savings? w 0

Question Title

* 9. Water Usage and ConservationDoes your school use any alternative water sources for irrigation? w 0

Question Title

* 10. Water Usage and ConservationDoes your school's landscape include water-wise or regionally appropriate/ native plants? Check all that apply. w 0

Question Title

* 11. Stormwater ManagementDoes your school have a campus-wide stormwater management policy? w 0

Question Title

* 12. Recycling & Waste ReductionDoes your school participate in a recycling or waste reduction program? w 0

Question Title

* 13. Sustainable Purchasing Does your school apply sustainability principles to purchasing decisions? w 0

Question Title

* 14. Chemical ManagementDoes your school properly dispose of hazardous, universal, and non-regulated chemical waste? w 0

Question Title

* 15. Electronic WasteDoes your school reuse or recycle computers and other forms of electronic waste? w 0

Question Title

* 16. End of Year Recycling ProgramDoes your school have an organized end-of-year cleanout aimed at reusing and or recycling? w 0

Question Title

* 17. Waste DiversionDoes your school divert any amount of waste by weight? w 0

Question Title

* 18. Climate & Emissions (Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Inventory)Has your school conducted GHG emissions during the last two years? w 0

Question Title

* 19. Outdoor Air QualityHas your school adopted outdoor air quality policies or guidelines? w 0

Question Title

* 20. Buildings & Grounds (Design & Construction)Does your school consider sustainability initiatives and principles for renovations and new construction? w 0

Question Title

* 21. Energy & Efficiency (Renewable Energy)Does a percentage of your school's energy come from renewable sources? w 0

Question Title

* 22. Biodiversity ManagementDoes your school have a biodiversity management strategy or programs? w 0

Question Title

* 23. Grounds ManagementDoes your school maintain school grounds in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management or organic land care standards? w 0

Question Title

* 24. Composting and Food WasteDoes your school have a food waste or compost program? w 0

Question Title

* 25. Strategic PlanningDoes your school’s strategic plan include a sustainability commitment? w 0

Question Title

* 26. Cafeteria PracticesDoes your school’s cafeteria or dining service use reusable, recyclable, or compostable tableware? w 0

Question Title

* 27. School Gardens for FoodDo you grow any food at your school (i.e. school garden, Wasatch Community Gardens)? w 0

Question Title

* 28. School Gardens for FoodDo any teachers or student groups utilize produce grown on campus (special activities, sales to parents, etc.)? w 0

Question Title

* 29. School VehiclesIs your school actively working to provide vehicle transportation that is environmentally responsible and efficient (busses, fleet vehicles)? Check all that apply. w 0

Question Title

* 30. Indoor Air QualityDoes your school have an indoor air quality management plan? w 0

Question Title

* 31. Green CleaningDoes your school use green cleaning standards? w 0

Question Title

* 32. Water QualityDoes your school voluntarily test for lead in potable water sources? w 0

Question Title

* 33. Indoor Environmental QualityAll ground-contact classrooms have been tested for radon within the past 24 months? w 0

Question Title

* 34. Student HealthDoes your school meet the minimum requirement of state-mandated physical activity for your grade level? w 0

Question Title

* 35. Lead TestingHow often is the school grounds’ soil tested for lead or other contaminants? w 0

Question Title

* 36. We have earned Utah STEM School Designation within the last 5 years.http://stem.utah.gov/for-educators/stem-schools-designation/ w 0

Question Title

* 37. What percentage of your Utah STEM School Designation efforts would you say were related to the environment/sustainability? w 0

Question Title

* 38. Outdoor Learning EnvironmentsHas your school identified an outdoor learning environment that is integrated into at least 1 academic subject? w 0

Question Title

* 39. Student OrientationDuring your school's, orientation are students educated about campus sustainability? w 0

Question Title

* 6. Water Usage and Conservation

Has your school taken an initial baseline of your water usage? w 0

* 7. Water Usage and Conservation

Does your school use low flush toilets and other water conservation measures? w 0

* 8. Water Usage and Conservation

Does your school conduct regular audits of facilities and irrigation systems to ensure the campus is free of significant water leaks and to identify opportunities for savings? w 0

* 9. Water Usage and Conservation

Does your school use any alternative water sources for irrigation? w 0

* 10. Water Usage and Conservation

Does your school's landscape include water-wise or regionally appropriate/ native plants? Check all that apply. w 0

* 11. Stormwater Management

Does your school have a campus-wide stormwater management policy? w 0

* 12. Recycling & Waste Reduction

Does your school participate in a recycling or waste reduction program? w 0

* 13. Sustainable Purchasing

Does your school apply sustainability principles to purchasing decisions? w 0

* 14. Chemical Management

Does your school properly dispose of hazardous, universal, and non-regulated chemical waste? w 0

* 15. Electronic Waste

Does your school reuse or recycle computers and other forms of electronic waste? w 0

* 16. End of Year Recycling Program

Does your school have an organized end-of-year cleanout aimed at reusing and or recycling? w 0

* 17. Waste Diversion

Does your school divert any amount of waste by weight? w 0

* 18. Climate & Emissions (Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Inventory)

Has your school conducted GHG emissions during the last two years? w 0

* 19. Outdoor Air Quality

Has your school adopted outdoor air quality policies or guidelines? w 0

* 20. Buildings & Grounds (Design & Construction)

Does your school consider sustainability initiatives and principles for renovations and new construction? w 0

* 21. Energy & Efficiency (Renewable Energy)

Does a percentage of your school's energy come from renewable sources? w 0

* 22. Biodiversity Management

Does your school have a biodiversity management strategy or programs? w 0

* 23. Grounds Management

Does your school maintain school grounds in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management or organic land care standards? w 0

* 24. Composting and Food Waste

Does your school have a food waste or compost program? w 0

* 25. Strategic Planning

Does your school’s strategic plan include a sustainability commitment? w 0

* 26. Cafeteria Practices

Does your school’s cafeteria or dining service use reusable, recyclable, or compostable tableware? w 0

* 27. School Gardens for Food

Do you grow any food at your school (i.e. school garden, Wasatch Community Gardens)? w 0

* 28. School Gardens for Food

Do any teachers or student groups utilize produce grown on campus (special activities, sales to parents, etc.)? w 0

* 29. School Vehicles

Is your school actively working to provide vehicle transportation that is environmentally responsible and efficient (busses, fleet vehicles)?

Check all that apply. w 0

* 30. Indoor Air Quality

Does your school have an indoor air quality management plan? w 0

* 31. Green Cleaning

Does your school use green cleaning standards? w 0

* 32. Water Quality

Does your school voluntarily test for lead in potable water sources? w 0

* 33. Indoor Environmental Quality

All ground-contact classrooms have been tested for radon within the past 24 months? w 0

* 34. Student Health

Does your school meet the minimum requirement of state-mandated physical activity for your grade level? w 0

* 35. Lead Testing

How often is the school grounds’ soil tested for lead or other contaminants? w 0

* 36. We have earned Utah STEM School Designation within the last 5 years.

http://stem.utah.gov/for-educators/stem-schools-designation/ w 0

* 38. Outdoor Learning Environments

Has your school identified an outdoor learning environment that is integrated into at least 1 academic subject? w 0

* 39. Student Orientation

During your school's, orientation are students educated about campus sustainability? w 0

* 40. Field Trips and Outdoor Programming

Does your school participate in field trips(s) that encourage extracurricular activities that include outdoor programming, including, but not limited to: camping, hiking, ropes courses, and more? w 0

* 41. Sustainability Events

Does your school hold sustainability events? w 0

* 42. Environmental & Sustainability Activities

Does your school have student engagement or organizations related to sustainability? w 0

* 43. Teaching Sustainability

Does your school offer sustainability-related content? w 0

* 44. Sustainability & Environmental Education Professional Learning

Have teachers at your school participated in or received training on sustainability or environmental education? w 0

* 45. Sustainability Communications

Does your school provide opportunities for sustainability and report this progress to the school community? w 0

* 46. Service Learning & Community Engagement Focused on Environmental and Sustainability Issues in the Community

Does your school offer information or service-learning opportunities? w 0

* 47. Community Partnerships

Does your school have long-term partnerships with community members or organizations that advance sustainability? w 0