The Canadian Green Building Council (CaGBC) is teaming up with the Canadian Coalition for Green Schools to find the Greenest School in Canada. The contest, which runs through June 27, is open to schools teaching grades K-12.

The organizations define a green school as a place that “minimizes environmental impact, optimizes human health and performance” and teaches students about the environment.

Schools will be judged on criteria such as their use of resources, the ways in which they reduce their environmental impact, and the learning opportunities they provide students and staff.

“Greener schools are showing important benefits for students of all ages,” says Thomas Mueller, president and CEO of the CaGBC. “Improved indoor air quality results in a reduction of up to 65 per cent in asthma cases among elementary students; schools with good daylighting see a 10 per cent increase in student performance; and green schools show a three per cent reduction in teacher turnover.”

A jury of industry experts will analyze the submissions and announce the winner in September. The winning school will receive $2,000 towards a green initiative and the chance to compete in the Greenest School on Earth competition as Canada’s official entry.