Gov. Tom Corbett Tuesday announced the U.S. Department of Education has selected four Pennsylvania schools for the national 2013 Green Ribbon Schools Award, plus one school district for the District Sustainability Award.

“These award-winning schools serve as a model for all of Pennsylvania by incorporating innovative technologies and strategies to use resources effectively and efficiently,’’ Corbett said. “I congratulate them.’’ 

The schools are: Albert M. Greenfield Elementary School, Philadelphia School District; Broughal Middle School, Bethlehem Area School District, Northampton County; Nazareth Area Middle School, Nazareth Area School District, Northampton County; and Westtown School, Chester County.

Lower Merion School District, Montgomery County, was awarded the first-ever District Sustainability Award for applying energy conservation initiatives across multiple school buildings throughout the district.

Pennsylvania’s five winners, honored among 78 schools and districts nationwide, are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for working to reduce environmental impact and costs; improve the health and wellness of students and staff; and provide effective environmental and sustainability education.

Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Ron Tomalis nominated these schools in February.

“For the second year in a row, all of Pennsylvania’s nominees have been selected for an award,” Tomalis said.  “On behalf of Gov. Tom Corbett, I congratulate these schools for being nationally recognized and showcasing their efforts. These schools join the list of green schools that will serve as a model to all public and private schools across Pennsylvania.”

The department received 17 Green Schools applications from public and private schools and four District Sustainability applications.

To learn more, visit Pennsylvania’s Green and Sustainable Schools webpage.

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