· Subha Karthik · 1 min read
Local Leaders: Cincinnati Country Day School Earns 513 Green Certification 🌿
At EcoPal, we celebrate local heroes turning sustainability into action. Today, we are spotlighting Cincinnati Country Day School (CCDS) for officially becoming 513 Green Certified - a prestigious honor recognizing their commitment to a healthier Hamilton County.

What is 513 Green?
Managed by Hamilton County ReSource, the 513 Green Certification is a roadmap for organizations to operate responsibly. To earn it, CCDS had to excel in five critical areas:
- Waste Diversion (composting & recycling)
- Water Conservation
- Energy Efficiency
- Transportation & Air Quality
- Sustainable Actions
How They Did It
CCDS didn’t just check boxes; they transformed their 60-acre campus into a “living laboratory.” Key achievements include:
- Plastic Upcycling: Collecting 1,000+ lbs of plastic caps to create campus benches.
- Zero Waste Goals: Partnering with GoZero to compost food waste school-wide.
- Hands-on Learning: Students engage in beekeeping, maple sugaring, and forest restoration.
Be the Change
This certification isn’t just for schools - it’s an invitation for local businesses and individuals to lead. By joining the 513 Green community, you reduce your environmental footprint while inspiring others in our region.
We are doing this because it’s the right thing for our students and our environment. - Rob Zimmerman, Head of School
Ready to take the lead?
Check out the requirements at 513green.com and see how your organization can join the movement.
Credits & Source Information: This story was originally reported by FOX19 NOW. You can view their full video coverage and detailed report here: Cincinnati Country Day School receives ‘513 Green’ certification.




