The Call for Green Schools

Nov. 27, 2007
Dozens of architects, PTA presidents, school board members, school superintendents, and others from across the country are joining a grassroots effort to further the vision of green schools

A new advocacy program may be a catalyst for green schools and healthier students nationwide. As members of the U.S. Green Buildings Council's (USGBC) "Green School Advocates," dozens of architects, PTA presidents, school board members, school superintendents, and others from across the country are joining a grassroots effort to further the vision of green schools.

Sixty-four (64) Green School Advocates from USGBC chapters nationwide met in Washington, D.C., this fall to receive training to go back to their communities and organize green school committees. Local chapter Green Schools Advocacy Committees will work with decision-makers, parents, teachers, and others who are passionate about giving children the healthiest, safest places to learn and grow - all while saving school districts money, contributing toward mitigating climate change, and improving our environment.

"The local USGBC chapters are a critical component in the council's vision of green schools for every child within a generation," says Rick Fedrizzi, USGBC president, CEO, and founding chair. "There are now chapter members from across America who are engaging in local outreach and education."

A 2006 study sponsored by the American Federation of Teachers, the American Institute of Architects, the American Lung Association, the Federation of American Scientists, and the USGBC found that building green would save an average school $100,000 each year in energy costs along - enough to hire two new full-time teachers, purchase 5,000 new textbooks, or buy 500 new computers.

In addition to superior IAQ, say USGBC officials, green schools, on average, use 33-percent less energy and 32-percent less water than conventional schools, which would bring the United States closer to reducing reliance on imported energy. 

According to the USGBC, green schools' better lighting, temperature control, ventilation, and IAQ contribute to reduced asthma, colds, flu, and absenteeism, helping improve learning, test scores, and lifetime student earnings. Greening all school construction would also create more than 2,000 new jobs each year from increased use of energy-efficient technologies. Green schools also improve teacher retention. To get involved, or to find more information about the Green School Advocates program, visit (www.usgbc.org).

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Buildings, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Building Better Schools

Download this digital resource to better understand the challenges and opportunities in designing and operating educational facilities for safety, sustainability, and performance...

Tips to Keep Facility Management on Track

How do you plan to fill the knowledge gap as seasoned facility managers retire or leave for new opportunities? Learn about the latest strategies including FM tech innovations ...

The Beauty & Benefits of Biophilic Design in the Built Environment

Biophilic design is a hot trend in design, but what is it and how can building professionals incorporate these strategies for the benefits of occupants? This eHandbook offers ...

The Benefits of Migrating from Analog to DMR Two-Way Radios

Are you still using analog two-way radios? Download this white paper and discover the simple and cost-effective migration path to digital DMR radios that deliver improved audio...