Making green schools a reality

The 16th annual Green Schools Conference (GSC) will be held February 17-19, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Marina and Spa in San Diego, California.

Each year, the GSC brings together a national community of educators, school leaders, designers and advocates committed to whole-school sustainability. From inspiring sessions and expert panels to meaningful networking opportunities, the GSC is where green school leaders unite to drive progress.

The 2026 event will feature two days of inspiring sessions, expert-led workshops, and dynamic networking opportunities, followed by optional post-conference tours, which offer attendees a chance to explore sustainability in action at local schools and organizations across the San Diego area.

Join education and sustainability leaders from across the country to connect, learn, and advance the movement for healthier, more equitable, and more sustainable schools.

View the 2025 post-show report

GSC is presented by the Center for Green Schools in partnership with the Green Schools National Network.

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Call for Proposals & Reviewers for the 2026 Green Schools Conference is now open!

Each year, the Green Schools Conference (GSC) brings together passionate leaders and advocates from across the globe to learn, connect, and advance the shared mission of green schools for all. As the only national event dedicated to uniting those who lead, operate, build, and teach in sustainable schools, GSC offers a powerful platform for skill-building, in-depth dialogue, and inspiration.

The 2026 Green Schools Conference will be held in late February in San Diego, California — and now is your chance to help shape the program.

We’re excited to announce the launch of the Call for Proposals for education sessions! We invite you to submit a proposal to share your effective strategies, partnerships, research, and lessons learned in the work of building greener, healthier, more equitable schools. We’re seeking innovative, inclusive, and inspiring sessions that push the conversation forward.

In addition, we’re also looking for reviewers to help evaluate session proposals and ensure the 2026 program reflects the diverse voices and experiences of the green schools community.

Submit your proposalApply to be a reviewer

Sustainability at GSC

Sustainability is the foundation of the Green Schools Conference (GSC). The GSC sustainability program addresses environmental impact through seven objectives.

Seven objectives of the GSC sustainability program

  1. Move toward a zero-waste event
  2. Increase stakeholder education and engagement
  3. Improve sustainable sourcing
  4. Improve performance tracking
  5. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  6. Positively impact communities
  7. Catalyze the advancement of green building initiatives and sustainable operations within the hospitality industry

2025 goals

  1. Encourage, celebrate, and facilitate attendees’ commitments to making sustainable choices onsite.
  2. Source 35% or more of the event’s food & beverage regionally (within 500 miles) and ensure all event materials are sustainably sourced
  3. Set baseline goals for future events by reporting on 2025 actuals related to food & beverage sourcing and waste diversion
  4. Increase education around sustainable attendee travel, and support carpooling and shuttling efforts
  5. Build a bridge between conference partners to increase sustainable operations in the City of Orlando
  6. Support the local community through donations and inclusion of biophilic elements

2025 Partners