On March 3, 2025, the Center for Green Schools (CFGS) at the U.S. Green Building Council and the Green Schools National Network (GSNN) proudly announced the winners of the 2025 Best of Green Schools Awards. Among the honorees, Denver Public Schools (DPS) was recognized for its groundbreaking efforts in sustainability and climate action. The awards were presented during the 2025 Green Schools Conference in Orlando, Florida, where over 400 attendees gathered to celebrate the transformative work being done to around the country for the green schools movement.
The Best of Green Schools Awards celebrate the hard work being done—by people, schools, campuses and organizations—to push the green schools movement forward.
DPS’s sustainability commitment
Denver Public Schools has been committed to sustainability since 2009, integrating environmental protection, economic prosperity, and social development into its work. The district’s sustainability initiatives are driven by bold action, innovation, and accountability, with a focus on engaging students and staff.
A milestone in DPS’s sustainability journey came when a group of students, concerned about the impacts of climate change, mobilized to urge the district’s leadership to take urgent climate action. Their efforts were instrumental in the DPS Board of Education adoption of the district’s first-ever climate action policy. The policy reads, “DPS shall be a national leader in establishing an organizational culture anchored in sustainability, climate action, and environmental justice in both the conservation of natural resources and minimization of the carbon footprint of DPS’ practices.”
Climate action advocacy did not stop there. The student-led campaign resulted in the creation of DPS’s first Climate Action Plan, which outlines 23 comprehensive goals to be reached by 2028 and three North Star Goals to be achieved by 2050. Developed with input from the community and in alignment with the students’ vision, these goals cover the triple bottom line of environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
Climate policy achievements
DPS’s commitment to sustainability is displayed by its impressive achievements during the 2023-24 school year, which sets an example for districts across the country. Notably, the DPS Board of Education approved a $34 million proposal through a Denver ballot initiative to fund a range of climate action initiatives, including the installation of smart irrigation controls, heat pumps, and energy-saving software across the district.
One exciting milestone was the construction of DPS’s first all-electric school, a project that demonstrates the district’s dedication to reducing its environmental impact through cutting-edge green building practices. In addition, DPS updated its design standards for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, and heat pumps.
In collaboration with the City and County of Denver, DPS installed a 309 kW solar carport, two charging stations, and three solar canopies. The partnership also funded 14 student-led sustainability projects, helping empower students to take direct action in their communities.
DPS’s commitment to electrification also took a significant step forward when the district received a $12.1 million grant from the Colorado Electric School Bus Grant Program. This funding will enable the purchase of 20 electric school buses and 12 charging stations.
Engaging students and the community
DPS’s sustainability efforts go beyond infrastructure and policy changes. The district has engaged its students in climate action through a variety of initiatives. It currently houses 78 active school gardens, four schools have received National Wildlife Federation’s EcoSchool certification, and six schools have received ENERGY STAR certification. In 2024, DPS also hosted its second annual Climate Summit, bringing together students, educators, and experts to discuss solutions to climate change and build leadership skills.
The district’s commitment to sustainability education has led to significant participation in work-based learning opportunities. In the 2023-24 school year, 19% of unique work-based learning participants were involved in sustainability-related activities, with 34 students participating in the Renewable Energy Academy and another 23 engaging in sustainability internships.
In recognition of these efforts, DPS students received several accolades, including the U.S. President’s Environmental Youth Award. The district’s Climate Action Plan was praised by then-Vice President Kamala Harris during her visit to DPS in 2023 and serves as a model for other districts nationwide.
You can learn more about Denver Public Schools’ sustainability work and the 2025 Best of Green School Awards.
