Altamont Creek Elementary Named Green Ribbon School

LIVERMORE, CA - Livermore’s Altamont Creek Elementary School was one of 27 schools across the country to be designated a Department of Education Green Ribbon School for its commitment to site sustainability and environmental education. Earlier this year, the school received a Green Achiever award from the California Department of Education.

The school was recognized for its five-year sustainability plan, which was started in 2015 and led by Energy and Conservation Coordinator David Darlington.

The plan addressed energy, waste, carbon emissions, water usage, and more. An on-site photovoltaic system provides 95 percent of the school’s energy, and a collaboration with the Alameda County Waste Management Authority has developed extensive systems to manage food waste, compost, and donate excess waste to homeless shelters. The school has also implemented a no-idle zone for vehicles, a 2900 square-foot garden, an Audubon bird habitat, a bird cam for students, and more.

“Sustainability has been an ongoing focus over the years at Altamont Creek and in our school district. I am very proud of our entire school staff and community for putting students first and encouraging and engaging students in real world challenges and sustainable practices,” science specialist Fenna Gatty said in a statement.

Getty joined other school representatives at a ceremony in Washington, DC to receive the award, which was started in 2012.