What is a Green School?

USGBC defines a Green School as a school building or facility that creates a healthy environment that is conducive to learning while saving energy resources and money.

Why Green Schools?

Six billion dollars is spent annually to run America’s primary and secondary schools! This is more than what is spent on textbooks and computers combined. Having at the least, an energy efficient school will allow money to be saved and allocated to much more important resources. On average green schools have the potential to use 30%-50% less energy and up to 30% less water – imagine the savings you could achieve with those operational costs!

Green Schools also create a healthier learning environment for students and improve teacher retention. Teachers are important to our school systems; they deserve a healthy environment to teach our future leaders and benefit from daylighting and improved indoor air quality. Avenues for hands-on learning regarding environmental sustainability are also afforded in green schools. Engaging students is one of the best tools for fostering their learning abilities. A green school is an interactive learning experience to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards and sustainability champions!

All of the above plus benefits that extend into the financial realm.

*”Greening America’s Schools: Costs and Benefits”, Gregory Kats, October 2006Data
*see case studies attached to email