The annual review process for the Go Green With Us recognition program has just been completed and 32 TN State Parks have been awarded Platinum for the 2022 program year. This evaluation process reviews parks’ efforts in 9 sustainability categories, including energy efficiency, maintenance and hospitality operations, water conservation, recycling and waste reduction, and more. Through this process, parks can earn Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum recognition levels. Parks accumulate points for completing designated tasks within the Go Green guidelines.
In the first year of the program in 2017, no park reached Platinum, and only three parks reached Gold. Six years later, continued dedication and lots of hard work led to 20 parks reaching Gold and 32 achieving Platinum recognition.
Recently, Tennessee State Parks were the recipients of the National Association of State Park Directors’ 2022 President’s Award for its Go Green With Us initiative.
Before the program launch, a Go Green Committee compiled a comprehensive guide outlining actions staff and visitors can take to effectively incorporate environmental sustainability into all aspects of park operations. During the first year of rolling out its guidelines, Go Green With Us was a voluntary program. As of October 2018, the implementation of the guidelines became mandatory for all 57 Tennessee State Parks.
Park visitors are encouraged to ask about their park’s Go Green initiative and what they can do to participate. More information about the program can be found online.
