The Houston Independent School District on Monday received a Proud Partner Award from Mayor Annise Parker, honoring the murals of Israeli expatriate Anat Ronen, who has work featured at nearly a dozen HISD schools.

From left: Kim Urban, Accounting Manager for HISD’s Construction and Facilities Services, Houston Mayor Annise Parker, and HISD Energy and Sustainability Senior Manager Kellie Williams.

The 31^st annual Mayor’s Proud Partner Awards, hosted by Keep Houston Beautiful, recognized outstanding work by local organizations and individuals who work to create, enhance, and maintain the landscape of Houston through environmental and beautification projects.

Read more about artist Anat Ronen

The district also received honorable mentions for two other initiatives: The Green Schools Challenge and Houston ISD Recycle. Under HISD’s Energy and Sustainability Department, the programs aim to implement environmental awareness and energy efficiency projects throughout the district.

“Houston ISD was recognized for taking steps to reduce the district’s environmental impact and creating a culture of sustainability,” said HISD Energy and Sustainability Senior Manager Kellie Williams. “Last year, the Facilities Department implemented a districtwide recycling program and hosted an energy reduction challenge between campuses. We’ve increased our recycling volume by four times and reduced campus electricity (use) by up to 29 percent.”

Parker said she was honored to recognize those who are making the City of Houston a better place to live.

“This luncheon is important because it gives us the opportunity to recognize that great work and amazing Houstonians who just want to make a difference over and over again,” she said.

To learn more about the Green Schools Challenge and Houston ISD Recycles programs, visit houstonisd.org/greenschools.