VBCPS wins VSBA Green Schools Challenge

**This text is taken verbatim from a VBCPS News Release (No. 030), originally published 12/03/14**

Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) took home first place from the Virginia School Board Association’s (VSBA) Green Public Schools Challenge. VBCPS won in the category of school divisions with student populations of more than 10,000.

In addition, VBCPS once again earned a platinum certification from the VSBA. This is the fourth consecutive year VBCPS has earned this honor.

“This achievement is due entirely to the hard work of our staff from all departments across the division,” said Dr. Aaron Spence, superintendent of VBCPS. “They lead the way in finding resources and practices to run our schools as efficiently as possible. Their tireless efforts not only reap energy and financial rewards, they teach our students the importance of responsible environmental stewardship.”

According to the VSBA, the Green Public Schools Challenge was designed as a friendly competition to encourage school systems to implement policies and practices that will reduce carbon emissions generated by both the division and the community.

Specifically, VBCPS performed well in the challenges due to the division’s school sustainability recognition program, the school sustainability liaison program as well as the construction of new buildings (such as Kellam High School) to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.