Launched in 2016, the Florida Green School Designation Program is an initiative of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection that designates and recognizes K-12 schools that make a voluntary commitment to conserve and protect Florida's natural resources. The program's environmental guidelines allow Florida primary and secondary schools to evaluate operations, set goals and take specific actions to continuously improve environmental performance.
The Florida Green School Designation Program is administered primarily online. To become designated, schools must conduct a thorough property assessment and implement a specified number of environmental practices in five areas of sustainable operations:
Communication and Education (Students, Staff, Public)
Waste Reduction, Reuse and Recycling
The Florida Green School Designation Program designation application is a comprehensive evaluation tool detailing the program’s requirements and providing links to best management practices and technical assistance to help you achieve Florida Green School designation. The applications directly reflect each of the program’s five areas of operation: Communication and Education, Energy Efficiency, Water Conservation, Waste Reduction, Reuse and Recycling, and Air Quality.
The Florida Green School Designation Program recognizes Florida schools that are protecting the state's natural resources and demonstrate environmental improvements through a four-tiered designation. Schools have an opportunity to obtain different "Apple" levels based on the requirements of each tier.
All schools start at the Green Apple level, then work their way to Bronze, Silver and eventually Gold Apple status by implementing additional best management practices.
The Florida Green School designation is valid for three years from date of issuance. To maintain designation, schools are required to submit environmental performance data (water, waste, energy) annually, comply with any mandatory on-site visits and maintain the initiatives noted on their application. Failure to do so can result in dismissal from the program.
Designated Green Schools create a healthier environment for students, employees and communities. Reducing water and energy use and reducing waste also lower operating costs.