Energy & Environment

Governor Terry McAuliffe has announced Loudoun County Public Schools as a Silver Medal recipient of the 2014 Governor's Environmental Excellence Award for its demonstrated commitment to the stewardship of Virginia's natural resources through its sustainability initiatives. LCPS includes sustainable principles and practices in a wide variety of areas.  These include: Community Involvement, Construction, Energy and Water Management, Extra-Curricular Programs, Facilities and Grounds, Food Service, Instructional Programs, Purchasing, Recycling, Safety and Security, Technology Services, and Transportation.  LCPS Stakeholders at many levels are included in the planning, development and implementation of sustainability practices and programs.

The school system has been recognized by numerous organizations for its sustainability efforts.  LCPS was named ENERGY STAR® “Partner of the Year” for 2010 and 2011, and in 2012, 2013 and in 2014 was given the designation “Sustained Excellence” by the ENERGY STAR program.  In addition, LCPS won the Virginia School Boards Association’s Green Schools Challenge and has qualified as a platinum level district for each year of the competition.  Fourteen LCPS schools have been recognized by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries as “Virginia Naturally Schools.”  Over the last twenty years, LCPS has saved over $58 million through its sustainability programs.

“These award winners demonstrate a clear commitment to improving the environment for the benefit of all Virginians,” Governor McAuliffe said. “This recognition is well-deserved, and I look forward to ongoing improvements from these winners and other environmental and conservation leaders.” 

Award winners were chosen based on criteria including environmental benefit, stakeholder involvement, public outreach, transferability and innovativeness.  The awards recognize significant environmental contributions in two categories: sustainability and land conservation. They are given to businesses and industrial facilities, not-for-profit organizations and government agencies.  The awards are sponsored by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.  The award was presented at the Environment Virginia Symposium at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington.