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Michigan Green Schools

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Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Michigan Green Schools

MI Green Schools

Michigan Green Schools online portal

Apply to become a Michigan Green School, find classroom activities, and download helpful resources in one convenient location 

Michigan Green Schools supports and celebrates the achievements of PreK-12 schools in protecting the state's air, land, water, and ecosystems through their commitments to environmental education and stewardship actions.

Previously operated as a non-profit 501(c)3 agency, the program's operation transferred to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) in 2021.  

Michigan Green Schools certification process

To earn MI Green Schools certification, a school must document the completion of at least 10 approved environmental activities throughout the school year. Schools can achieve one of three status levels, depending on the number of activities documented:

  • Michigan Green School: 10-14 activities
  • Michigan Emerald School: 15-19 activities
  • Michigan Evergreen School: 20 or more activities

At least two activities must be completed from each of the four official Green School qualification categories to be eligible for any designation.

The Michigan Green School Guide is now available!

We are excited to announce that EGLE’s new MI Green School Guide is live! The guide helps schools advance green planning that promotes health, academic success, environmental quality, and efficient school operations. The MI Green School Guide helps leaders through planning and decision-making processes to create long-term school sustainability plans

View the MI Green School Guide

 

Resources for schools and educators

  • Kids walking through a fall field

    Green Schools Fellowship Program

    A brand-new Fellowship program for K-12 educators in the 2026-2027 school year, funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

  • Michigan Green School Class at Student Summit

    MI Green School Guide

    Michigan schools can use green planning to support health, academics, environmental quality, and school operations

Qualifying Green Activities

  • Two young children in the outdoors peer into a jar

    A school is eligible to receive a Green School, Emerald School, or Evergreen School Environmental Stewardship Designation depending on the number of activities completed by the school and/or students.

    At least two activities must be completed from each of the four categories to be eligible for any designation. The four categories of activities for official Green School qualification are:

    1. Reduce/Reuse/Recycle
    2. Energy
    3. Environmental Protection
    4. Miscellaneous
    Find Green Activities for your school!
  • Earthworms for composting in a person's hands

    "Other Green Activity" Ideas

    Schools can complete alternative activities under each of the four categories to count on their application. We've compiled a list of example activities that have been approved by County Coordinators as "Other Green Activities" in previous years of the MI Green Schools Program. Be sure to get approval from your County Coordinator by December 1st of the year before applications are due.

    Explore "Other Green Activity" Ideas

Contact us

For questions about the Michigan Green Schools program, reach out to Samantha Lichtenwald at EGLE-MI-Green-Schools@Michigan.gov or 517-914-1257.

 Subscribe to the MI Green Schools newsletter

State and National Recognition of Green Ribbon Schools

  • A professor explains concepts to students holding notebooks

    The aim of the Michigan Green Ribbon Schools (MI-GRS) and U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) is to inspire early learning centers, schools, districts, and Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) to strive for 21st century excellence by highlighting promising school sustainability practices and resources that all can employ. To that end, both awards recognize early learning centers, schools, districts, and IHEs that:

    • Reduce environmental impact and costs;
    • Improve the health and wellness of schools, students, and staff; and
    • Provide effective environmental and sustainability education.

    Combined progress in ALL three of these areas, known as the award Pillars, serves as the basis for both recognition.

    Learn more about Green Ribbon Schools

    NOTE: MI-GRS, ED-GRS, and Michigan Green Schools are different programs. While the programs have similar aims, each program has unique criteria, timelines, and application requirements.