Central Texas schools recognized for using green power

Austin ISD and Round Rock ISD were recognized Monday as being the top two school districts in the country for using renewable energy.

The Environmental Protection Agency says Green Power Partner schools are buying almost 113 million kilowatt-hours of green power every year.  Green power sources include solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, biogas, and low-impact hydropower, generating less pollution than conventional power.

"Our green powered schools are giving kids a brighter future in more ways than one. They’re leading the way in protecting our health and environment, and moving the country into the clean energy economy of the 21st century,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, in a news release. “This is a great lesson on how we reduce harmful pollution in our skies and get America running on clean energy."

Here's a look at the top five green power-using schools:

1. Austin Independent School District (Austin, Texas)
2. Round Rock Independent School District (Round Rock, Texas)
3. Rochester City School District (Rochester, N.Y.)
4. Bullis School (Potomac, Md.)
5. The Dalton School (New York, N.Y.)