The Central PA Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council honored DEP Energy Program Specialist Heidi Kunka with its “Greenest Apple” award at it's October 22 Forever Green Awards.

The award honors a volunteer who has helped make great strides in promoting greener schools in the region.

Kunka has played an active role in promoting environmentally friendly, energy efficient practices in schools across the state. She is on the advisory council for the PA Green and Healthy Schools Partnership, where she is also chairperson for the School Engagement Task Force.

Earlier this year, she led efforts to host Pennsylvania’s first-ever statewide recognition ceremony for U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School honorees. She has also served as a reviewer for Green Ribbon Schools and Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance’s Moving to the Head of the Class Award.

As an Energy Program Specialist in DEP’s Office of Pollution Prevention and Energy Assistance, Kunka has played a key role in creating and implementing various workshops for educators and building managers to learn how to implement energy efficient practices in their buildings.

Kunka has also helped organize and present green education sessions at the PA Association of School Business Officials conferences.

Kunka is a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Accredited Professional and devotes much of her free time volunteering for green initiatives. She helped organize the October 3 Green Apple Day of Service at Infinity Charter School. She is also on the USGBC Central PA Board of Directors.

(Reprinted from the Oct. 29 DEP News. Click Here to sign up for your own copy.)

11/2/2015