Twelve schools in the Renton School District have been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for reducing the amount of energy used in district buildings last year.

All three middle schools, McKnight, Dimmitt and Nelsen; Bryn Mawr, Campbell Hill, Cascade, Highlands, Lakeridge, Maplewood and Talbot Hill elementary schools and Lindbergh and Renton high schools received the EPA’s Energy Star award. It is given to buildings that use 35 percent less energy and generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions than similar buildings across the nation.

The top performing school in the district is McKnight Middle School.

The district reports that the awards are the result of collaborations between the schools, the district’s Energy Management Office, state agencies, local electric and gas utilities and private sector companies. The district thanks the voter-approved funds for school construction bond measures, which are responsible for the major energy conservation and maintenance improvements that helped achieve the awards.