Green Schools

The newest trend in sustainable living is the building of green schools.  It is becoming a hot topic with emphases being channeled into seeing to it that all new constructed schools be designed and built using green technology.

A green school, Verrado High School, was built in Buckeye, Arizona and it received a LEED silver rating.  This project was completed for just a small amount over what standard construction would have cost.  Another school is planned that should be completed in the "normal" price range.  These schools will operate using about half the power of the other district schools, saving the city large amounts of money in the years to come.  The money saved from utilities is then able to back into the education system providing better learning tools for the students.

This school was built in such a way as to deliver brighter, natural sunlight, and cleaner air to all the students and teachers.  They have noticed two astounding figures during some early testing at this new school.  The kids are about 25% healthier and they score about 25% better during testing.  So, kids that go to school in a healthier environment get sick less.  Who would have ever thought such a thing could be true?  And the second stunning fact, healthier kids learn more.  It sounds way to good to be true, healthy smarter kids.  Do you all think maybe we should keep building green schools?

So just what is a green school?  From the Green Building Council  "Green schools are healthy for students, teachers and the environment. Built right, green schools are productive learning environments with ample natural light, high-quality acoustics and air that is safe to breathe. Schools everywhere are going green, nurturing children while saving money. Get the facts and learn how you can make the case to green your community's new and existing schools."  Does your city have a green school yet?  Maybe it's time.

Verrado High School features lots of natural light and open space.  When more light is needed they use energy efficient CFL's.  Instead of closed off class rooms they have open learning centers.  They have a demand based heating and cooling system that circulates air when needed based on CO2 levels.  The solar power generated on site will drastically reduce the need for grid electric.

This green school not only uses a new, sustainable green design for their building they use new ideas and theories in teaching also.  They consider themselves to be an innovative school in design and in the way they teach.  The teaching format is based on the recommendations for school reform found in Breaking Ranks II.  Their mission is "All Students College Ready".

Verrado High School is located in the Agua Fria Shool District and is the second Leed Certified green school in the system.  A third one is planned to start construction soon.  Is this school district seeing something many of you are missing?  Smarter kids and a cleaner environment are outstanding rewards by themselves but there is one more big one not yet mentioned.  We are teaching by example.  These buildings are learning centers for our children, showing them the way forward by doing it now.

Green schools are the future and the future needs to begin now.  When your town plans it's next school, "go green".