Cambridge Public Schools Receives National Sustainability Award

On Wednesday, June 3, the Cambridge Public School District (CPSD) received the 2015 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools District Sustainability Award in Washington, D.C., presented by U.S. Secretary of State Arne Duncan and Managing Director of the White House Council on Environmental Quality Christy Goldfuss.

In attendance to receive the award on behalf of the Cambridge Public Schools were Mellissa Honeywood, CPSD Director of Food Services; Kristen von Hoffmann, CPSD Sustainability Manager; and Meryl Brott, Recycling Program Manager for the City of Cambridge Department of Public Works.

In a ceremony that honored 58 schools, 14 school districts, and 9 colleges and universities nationwide, recipients were celebrated for their exemplary efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, promote better health, and ensure effective environmental education, including civics and green career pathways. Candidates for the award were voluntarily nominated by 30 state education agencies, with honorees selected from 28 jurisdictions. Recipients were encouraged by the White House to continue the good work by reaching out to other schools in the future, to share knowledge gained from their own successful programs.

After the ceremony, recipients had an opportunity to network and exchange success stories and strategies with other award winners, and to meet with legislators on Capitol Hill. A report with highlights on the 81 honorees can be found here. More information on the federal recognition award can be found here. 

“We are honored to receive this award on behalf of Cambridge Public Schools," said von Hoffmann. "Environmental sustainability is a critical component of our future as a city, nation, and planet, and we are excited to have the opportunity to weave such teaching, programs, and practices into our school community in Cambridge. We are also grateful to the many partnerships throughout the City that enable us to do so much in the School Department.” Additionally von Hoffmann thanked the Cambridge School Committee and Superintendent Jeff Young for their leadership on sustainable practices.

Learn more about CPS's Green Schools Initiative here.

For more information about Cambridge Public Schools, please contact Chief Operating Officer Jim Maloney at 617.349.6494 or visit our website.

Photo, left to right: Mellissa Honeywood, CPSD Director of Food Services; Kristen von Hoffmann, CPSD Sustainability Manager; Meryl Brott, DPW Recycling Program Manager.