Illinois Green Alliance Celebrates 2026 Green Ribbon Schools Honoree
The honored district will participate in the virtual Illinois Green School Celebration 3:30 p.m. May 21
Illinois Green Alliance has named Glenbrook High School District 225 as the state’s 2026 Green Ribbon Schools honoree for its outstanding commitment to environmental impact, wellness, and sustainability. The district integrates sustainability across operations and instruction, highlighted by the first solar and battery storage system implemented in a school district, on-site student health centers, upgraded building automation for energy efficiency and indoor air quality, and hands-on environmental learning through horticulture and outdoor classrooms.
“Glenbrook High School District 225 exemplifies what it means to prepare students not only for academic success, but for leadership in a more sustainable future,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. “From innovative energy solutions to expanded access to health services and hands-on environmental learning, the district is showing how schools can reduce their environmental impact while strengthening student well-being and real-world learning. We congratulate Glenbrook High School District 225 on this well-deserved recognition and commend its leadership in building a cleaner, greener future for its students and community.”
The Illinois Green Ribbon Schools program honors schools that have excelled in reducing environmental impact and costs, promoting health and wellness, and providing comprehensive environmental education. Representatives from the district will participate in Illinois Green Alliance’s Illinois Green Schools Celebration at 3:30 p.m. May 21. The free virtual event celebrates schools across Illinois that are finding creative and impactful ways to prioritize sustainability across their school cultures, educational programming, and physical space.
“Illinois Green Alliance is excited to continue to carry on the legacy that is Green Ribbon Schools and find ways to celebrate schools and districts that are putting in the work, time, and financial investment to make our educational buildings, students, and community more healthy and sustainable,” said Miranda Wright, Senior Program Manager at Illinois Green Alliance. “Glenbrook High School District 225 is a great example of long-term, whole-district planning that not only is good for the planet, but good for the district's future financial health.”
Glenbrook High School District 225 takes a comprehensive approach to sustainability, energy management, and student wellness through long-term planning, strategic investment, and integration with instruction. A key element of this work is the district’s solar and battery storage system, the first integrated system implemented in a school district. The solar array offsets a portion of districtwide energy use, while the battery storage system operates as a distributed energy resource.
It draws power from the grid during periods of low demand and supplies energy during peak demand, reducing operational costs, increasing resilience, and supporting regional grid stability. Smart energy-management software automates this process and provides real-time data that will be incorporated into coursework in environmental science, engineering, and economics.
Student health and wellness are supported through the district’s on-site health centers, with one currently open and a second scheduled to open this summer. These centers expand access to preventive care, mental health services, and health education within the school setting. By locating services on campus, the district reduces barriers to care and supports students’ physical, emotional, and behavioral health in a coordinated and accessible manner.
Sustainability is further embedded across campuses through horticulture programming, native plant installations, and outdoor learning spaces that serve as hands-on instructional environments. Students engage directly in studying biodiversity, ecological systems, and landscape design, strengthening connections between classroom learning and applied environmental practice.
About Green Ribbon Schools
Since the program was founded in 2011, state honorees have gone on to represent Illinois in a national award competition run by the U.S. Department of Education. As administrator of the program in the state, Illinois Green Alliance remains committed to recognizing and celebrating Illinois schools and districts that demonstrate excellence in environmental sustainability and education. Learn more about Illinois Green Ribbon Schools and other recognition programs on the Illinois Green Alliance website here.
About Illinois Green Alliance
Illinois Green Alliance is a membership directed nonprofit organization working to transform the region’s built environment to become ecologically sustainable, profitable, and healthy. To do so, we engage community leaders and utilize member expertise in education and community outreach through targeted programs and initiatives focused around green homes, communities, schools and existing buildings. With hundreds of passionate members and volunteers who lend their time and expertise, Illinois Green provides nearly 75 educational programs, community engagement events, tours and advocacy initiatives each year.
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