The sustainability efforts on campus continue to garner attention. The University has been nominated for the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools program by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ Green Schools Program. The University is one of three Louisiana finalists for the award.

 “We are so thrilled that the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ Green Schools Program has nominated LSU for the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon School program.  We are striving to reduce our impact on the environment with the way we operate on a daily basis, as well as with innovative projects and programs to engage the LSU community.  On the academic side, LSU offers a truly unique opportunity to learn about agriculture, coastal and climate issues,” campus sustainability manager Sarah Temple said in a statement.

The award focuses on three “pillars”: reducing environmental impact and costs, improving health and wellness of students, faculty and staff and providing environmental education. The Green Ribbon Schools initiative is designed to recognize schools, districts and institutions of higher education for their innovative and exemplary practices and encourage other schools to adopt these practices. The program includes K-12 and postsecondary schools.

The University was contacted by the Louisiana Department of Wildlifeand Fisheries last year and invited to apply for the program. The University was notified of its nomination on Dec. 1.

The application process was thorough and extensive, Temple said. The 26-page application lists several awards that the University has won over the past few years and also cites several programs, policies and groups as evidence of the University’s sustainability efforts. Some of these include the Committee on Campus Sustainability, the Master Plan’s sustainability changes, the Student Sustainability Fund, public transportation options like bikeshare, Tiger Trails, the Student Health Center, and the College of the Coast and Environment.

“We’re really excited for the announcement of the award designees,” Temple said.
The winners of the Green Ribbon School award will be announced on April 24.