Did You Know About Michigan’s Green Schools Program?

April 30, 2025

By: Stephanie Kozak, Park Interpreter

The Michigan Green Schools Program is a statewide program designed to help schools protect the environment while educating students about sustainability. Open to students from pre-kindergarten through high school, the program encourages schools to take action in protecting Michigan’s air, land, water, and ecosystems.

Operated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), the program recognizes schools that meet specific environmental goals through an official Green School certification.

To become certified, schools must complete at least 10 approved activities. There are three certification levels:

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

EGLE offers a wide range of approved activities, such as implementing a Waste-Free Lunch Program, teaching a unit on renewable or alternative energy, participating in a “No Idling” campaign, or creating a pollinator habitat. Schools must track their completed activities and submit an online application each year to receive certification.

Each year, the Michigan Green Schools application portal opens from January through early March. But schools can start tracking their activities at any point. In April of each year, Green Schools are notified of their certification status. Check out all of the Green Schools in Michigan here: Green Schools Map

There are four categories of activities that count towards Green School Certification:

1. Reduce/Reuse/Recycle
2. Energy
3. Environmental Protection
4. Miscellaneous

Anything that fits into the “Miscellaneous” category must be approved by the school’s county coordinator. This allows for flexibility, student initiative, and the unique need and interests of each school to help them meet their Green School certification requirements through activities that best fit their location.

Want to Become a Michigan Green School? The Huron-Clinton Metroparks Can Help!
We offer educational programs that support several of the approved activities. Our Interpretive Department hosts school programs and field trips focused on topics like:

• Water quality testing
• Stormwater runoff
• Invasive species
• Rain gardens
• Pollinators
• Composting and more

Visit the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Education Page to find a center and program that supports your Michigan Green School goals.

For the 2024-2025 school year, more than 358 schools across the state were certified as Michigan Green Schools—and the program continues to grow! To add your school to the list and learn more, check out the Michigan Green Schools Online Portal.