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Illinois Green Ribbon School

Glenbrook High School District 225 has been recognized as a 2026 Illinois Green Ribbon Honoree by the Illinois Green Alliance and the Illinois State Board of Education. This recognition is a result of the District’s comprehensive approach to sustainability, energy management, and student wellness, grounded in long-term planning, strategic investment, and integration with instruction.

Sustainability

Framework

Student Health and Wellness

Student health and wellness are supported through the district’s on-site Glenbrook Health Center, with one currently open at Glenbrook South, and a second scheduled to open in summer 2026 at Glenbrook North. 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.

 

11 individuals holding shovels outside th solar and battery storage groundbreaking event at GBN.

Solar and Battery Storage System

In 2025, the District integrated the first solar and battery storage system 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 wearing blue sweatshirt, planting inside GBS greenhouse.

Sustainability

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.

Empty classroom with two rows of desks.

Facilities

District facilities are supported by a new, upgraded building automation system that allows precise control of ventilation, temperature, and indoor air quality while avoiding energy use in unoccupied spaces. Recent renovations and construction projects emphasize energy efficiency and healthy materials, including LED lighting, high-efficiency HVAC systems, skylight-illuminated gymnasiums, low-VOC finishes, and furniture with recycled content.

A gloved hand adding an ingredient into a stir fry dish in the cafeteria.

Waste Reduction

Waste reduction efforts engage students through comprehensive recycling programs and cafeteria practices focused on fresh food preparation, minimal packaging, and efficient production. These practices are reinforced through instruction that encourages student awareness and participation in sustainability efforts.