After reviewing the website and information below, contact the Kentucky Environmental Education Council (KEEC) if you have any questions or require assistance.

You may contact KEEC either by e-mail or by calling the toll free number at 800-882-5271.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is the Kentucky Green and Healthy Schools program?

The Kentucky Green and Healthy Schools (KGHS) Program is a new, voluntary effort to empower students and staff with the tools needed to take action and make their school operate at peak efficiency. KGHS incorporates a two-pronged approach. New or renovated schools may include a “green and healthy” design from the start. Existing schools participate as student’s inventory current school operations and environments and implement action plans to improve school health and sustainability.

2. What are the benefits of participating in the Kentucky Green and Healthy Schools program?

There are many benefits for schools participating in this program. Improving your school environment can lead to the following benefits.
• A building that operates at top efficiency with respect to for natural resource conservation, reduced operational costs, and sustainability
• Better health and attendance for everyone who spends time in the school
• Students who are involved in relevant and rigorous learning that meets academic standards
• Closes the student achievement gap using the environment as an integrated learning context
• A sense of belonging and achievement among members of your school
• Recognition of your school’s achievements at the May ceremony

3. How does the Kentucky Green and Healthy Schools program relate to state education standards?

All inventories are aligned with the current Core Content for Assessment. These alignments are provided in the Teachers Reference version of each inventory.

4. What resources and support will be available to my students and teachers while participating in the Green and Healthy Schools program?

After enrolling in this program, schools have the option of participating in KGHS website training and orientation. There is no cost for this training. In addition to this training, the Teacher Reference for each inventory provides suggestions for improvement projects and links to additional resources. The KGHS Coordinator serves as a resource to help schools find funding, curriculum resources, and local community partners.

5. How does my school join the Kentucky Green and Healthy Schools program?

To enroll in the Kentucky Green and Healthy School program simply form a Green and Healthy Team and submit a signed registration-pledge sheet. Ideally, this team should include maintenance workers, cafeteria staff, administrators, teachers, students and members of the community.

6. What is meant by the term “Green and Healthy”?

Green refers to adopting behaviors that will allow schools to operate efficiently for natural resource conservation, sustainability and create a healthier environment. Healthy refers to environmental health, which consist of three components. These components are human health (nutrition, physical activity, safety), the health of the natural environment (clean air, water, and land) and health of constructed environments (classrooms, cafeterias, and school grounds).

7. Who should be involved in this program?

We encourage schools to take an inclusive approach. Each member of your school will be able to contribute different knowledge and support. Involving maintenance workers, cafeteria staff, administrators, teachers, and members of the community will help students gain a well-rounded understanding of how their school environments operate.

8. What are the requirements for improvement projects?

Improvement projects should be specific, measurable, attainable, demonstrate a real effort and have a timeline. Click here for an explanation of these requirements.

9. Who can I contact for more information or help with the inventories?

For additional information or assistance please contact the Kentucky Green and Healthy Schools program at (800) 882-5271 or e-mail.

10. I am having difficulties viewing the KGHS website with Internet Explorer (IE) 7.

If experiencing problems with this website please view on another computer with IE 6. We are currently working to prepare the website for viewing with IE 7. 

11. What must I do to become a Green and Healthy School? 

12. What are the Green and Healthy levels of recognition?

There are five levels of recognition, which is based on how many inventories a school completes. These levels are:

1. Candidate Schools
2. School In Progress
3. School Under Development
4. Official Kentucky Green & Healthy School
5. Model Green & Healthy School