Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE -- A nonprofit organization that works with the Georgia Department of Transportation to address air quality issues thinks Gwinnett County Schools is doing a good job delivering the message.

The Clean Air Campaign presented the school system with an award this week that honors the state's most effective businesses and municipalities in "advancing the promise of cleaner air and less traffic."

Gretchen Gigley, Clean Air Campaign director of education, said Gwinnett County Public Schools has demonstrated "a strong level of student and teacher participation" in furthering the organization's goals.

"(Gwinnett County Public Schools) takes a very comprehensive approach to this," Gigley said.

She added that last year the school system was successful in reducing the amount of bus and car idling outside schools by 50 percent to "improve air quality."

She said that included schools reinforcing the policies for cars waiting to drop children off and pick them up every day.

"I can't say enough good things about the way they've taken on the program," she said.

In its 11th year, the Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contribution to Excellence Awards program recognizes the best commute options programs in Georgia, "celebrating the success of employers, property managers, schools and individuals in advancing the promise of cleaner air and less traffic."

For more information, visit www.cleanaircampaign.org.