Nazareth School Nominated for National Green Award

Nazareth Area Middle School is one of four Pennsylvania schools to be nominated for the U.S. Department of Education's "Green Schools Award."

According to a Feb. 21 press release, "the Green Ribbon Schools program recognizes schools that are working to reduce environmental impact and costs; improve the health and wellness of students and staff; and provide effective environmental and sustainability education."

The middle school has an array of solar panels on its roof. The operation supplies between 60 and 80 percent of the building's energy needs.

The school, which opened in 2009, was also designed to achieve a silver rating -- but actually received Gold Certification -- under guidelines of the U.S. Green Building Council, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

Additonal Green Details (for the full list, visit pathwaystogreenschools.org):

• The 33.5-acre site maximizes open space and includes walking trails, outdoor classroom areas, a greenhouse and composting site, as well as numerous athletic fields for physical education classes and team sports.

• An elaborate system of storm water drainage and retention areas were installed and water efficient landscaping that requires no irrigation.

• Water conservation happens inside the building as well, with low-flow plumbing fixtures and faucets used throughout the building.

• During construction, 75 percent of all construction waste was recycled and diverted from disposal. Materials used had at least 20 percent recycled content and more than 25 percent of the materials were extracted, processed and manufactured locally.

In June 2012, the middle school received an award from the Delaware Valley Green Building Council, a group dedicated to fostering environmentally friendly building practices, according to www.dvgbc.org.

Ron Tomalis, the state Secretary of Education, nominated four schools and one district:

• Nazareth Area Middle School, Nazareth Area School District
• Broughal Middle School, Bethlehem Area School District
• Albert M. Greenfield Elementary School, Philadelphia School District
• Westtown School, Chester County
• Lower Merion School District, Montgomery County, District Sustainability Award

The four schools were also named 2013 Pennsylvania Pathways Schools and will receive a financial incentive to further their work on achieving the goals set forth in the Green Ribbon Schools program.

“These schools are to be commended for implementing initiatives to reduce costs and incorporate environmental stewardship into their educational program,” Tomalis said. “I encourage all Pennsylvania schools to incorporate energy saving plans into their operations.”

Tomalis in 2012 nominated four schools for the "Green Schools Award" and all were named Green Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. Pennsylvania was one of only six states to have all nominees selected for an award, according to the press release.