Working together for sustainable schools, stronger communities, and a healthier future for all Maine students.
The Maine Green Schools Program, a partnership between the Maine Department of Education and the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future, supports public schools across the state in advancing sustainability in four key areas: leadership, facilities, curriculum, and career pathways.
Our mission is simple and powerful:
- 🌱 Save school districts money
- ⚡ Increase energy efficiency and resilience
- 🌍 Reduce pollution and improve health for Maine’s students
As part of our broader climate and education strategy, the Green Schools Program is helping schools transition toward cleaner technologies, smarter buildings, and meaningful climate-related learning opportunities — from the classroom to the community.
Upcoming Events
Our Compass: Four Pillars of a Resilient and Healthy Future
We describe the Maine Green Schools Program using the image of a compass, guiding our collective work with clear North Star and directional focus areas. Each “point” represents one of the four areas we believe are essential to a sustainable future for Maine schools:
At the heart of this initiative is leadership — the educators, school administrators, and students working together to find real solutions to climate change. The program seeks to empower schools to build cultures of resilience, sustainability, and innovation, providing opportunities for students to become informed, engaged stewards of their communities and environment.
From upgrading energy systems to improving building envelopes, school playgrounds, and nature-based learning environments, this program supports efforts to modernize school facilities for greater energy efficiency and better indoor air quality. Our focus includes early childhood spaces and outdoor learning areas for all ages — creating healthier and more inspiring places to learn and grow.
From wind technicians to environmental engineers, the future of Maine’s economy is getting “greener” each decade. We are building strong career pathways in clean energy, sustainable land management, environmental consulting, recycling, and waste reduction. The Green Schools Program helps K–12 students explore emerging opportunities and connect their education to real-world impact.
A strong curriculum is key to preparing students for the challenges of the future. The program supports climate change education through direct teacher support, including the Climate Education Professional Development Grant program and Maine Climate Literacy Plan. We align with Maine’s Learning Results and Next Generation Science and Math Standards, encouraging rigorous, standards-based instruction that engages students in scientific inquiry, data analysis, and policy evaluation — in science, math, and social studies classrooms alike.
National Recognition
We’re proud to share that Maine’s Green Schools Program has been recognized nationally. In 2025, the state received the Green Difference Makers Award from the national Project Green Schools for the creation of the Green Schools Program and its innovative alignment between the Department of Education and the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future — the first of its kind in the nation.
Resources for Maine Schools
As part of our commitment to support schools on their sustainability journey, we’re excited to offer new resources for Maine educators and school leaders — available for the first time beginning in fall 2025:
- 🔍Technical Energy Consulting: Qualified districts will have access to technical consultants at no cost to begin a deep analysis of their heating systems and overall energy conservation plans. These experts will help schools explore cleaner, more cost-effective heating options that reduce pollution and improve energy efficiency.
- 📝 Sustainability Planning Support:Districts interested in developing or strengthening their sustainability plans will also have access to expert consulting services, helping them align with best practices and set actionable goals for environmental progress.
- 📘 Getting Started Guides for Energy Reduction:
This fall, we’ll release the Getting Started Energy Reduction Guides for Decarbonization, created specifically for Maine school districts. These practical guides will offer step-by-step advice on reducing emissions, improving indoor air quality, and saving energy — tailored to Maine’s unique climate and infrastructure.
These new tools and supports mark a major step forward — making it easier than ever for Maine schools to take action, plan wisely, and create learning environments that are cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable for future generations.
Contact
Glenn Cummings
Director of Green Schools
Phone: 207-816-2682
Email: Glenn.Cummings@maine.gov