Education Law

A little bit greener

Green with envy? That's not quite the reason behind schools deciding to go green. USA Today reports that more and more schools are looking at how eco-friendliness can help them save money, when pennies are getting tighter.

Though initially green schools cost more to build, (1-2 percent more), they offer the possibility of lower utilities for relief from increasingly high energy bills, and it appears that the higher up-front costs have better long term effects.

A school district that might have been thinking 'I can't afford to build a green school' is now saying 'I can't afford not to'," said Rachel Gutter, schools sector manager for the U.S. Green Building Council which certifies school construction projects based on environmental criteria.

Some green practices include reducing water usage, wind-power usage, and not using the lights when substantial sunlight comes through the windows.

Cost isn't the only benefit. Green schools help to instill in students a responsibility for the environment, usually encouraged by recycling programs. Some studies even say that student achievement and performance is better in greener schools.

With times tight all over the place, it makes sense that schools are finding beneficial ways to save money and want to know more about other students and teachers experiences in green schools. Has your school district made any efforts to go green? Tell us about it.

Full post as published by BoardBuzz: NSBA's Daily Weblog on July 31, 2008 (boomark / email).