BPS earns 2026 Best of Green Schools Award

The Green Schools National Network (GSNN) presented Bellingham Public Schools with the 2026 Best of Green Schools Award. BPS director of Teaching and Learning Heather Steele accepted the award on the district's behalf at a GSNN conference in mid-February. The district was recognized for being a “school system that has created long-term partnerships and demonstrated commitment to systemic change and shared best practices.”

Based on Bellingham Public Schools’ vision that “we, as a community, make a collective commitment to Bellingham’s children”, BPS has been taking steps to reduce our environmental impact for more than two decades with a focus on sustainability. 

BPS adopted its Climate Action Plan — Toward a Sustainable and Resilient Bellingham Public Schools in June 2023. This publication was informed by community advisory groups structuring work around three key areas:

• Promoting habits and culture, BPS has an annual communications strategy to celebrate progress and is developing a continuous improvement system to track emissions and wellness outcomes over time. Other activities include Bike to Work and Earth Days, book fairs, clothing swaps, and clean-up activities, made possible through long-term partnerships with local environmental and government agencies.
• In facilities and operations, BPS has committed to reducing environmental impacts through significant energy efficient upgrades focused on energy consumption and alternative fuels.
• For teaching and learning, BPS is building a vertically-aligned environmental, sustainability, and climate change education (ESCE) curriculum to ensure students at all levels engage in ecological literacy. The district also supports “student-powered stewardship opportunities” including garden projects, environmental clubs and fifth grade exhibition projects.

Through these systemic efforts in facilities, learning, and culture, Bellingham Public Schools is partnering with our community to make bold, integrated strides toward sustainability. Progress is made possible through partnerships with state and federal agencies, local levy funding and private donors including:

-          solar panels at six schools,

-          LEDs incorporated in most schools,

-          ASHRE level 2 energy audits at 10 schools,

-          indoor and outdoor air quality monitors at all sites,

-          three propane buses, and

-          standard compost and recycling systems across schools.

As a result of our efforts, more than 70% of our Tier 1 buildings meet Washington State Clean Buildings Performance Standards.

In the classroom, BPS is developing a comprehensive environmental curriculum and actively training staff to teach sustainability through engaging, real-world experiences. One example is the new electric car build course through Career and Technical Education. Student voice is key to elevating this work and energizing our staff and community, supported by environmental clubs at all high schools.

Through a Sustainability Standing Committee,  districtwide communication plans, and incorporating climate goals into long-term partnerships and planning, Bellingham Public Schools demonstrates a clear, measurable and community-driven approach to environmental responsibility.