GREEN SCHOOLS

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Our gift to you: Green School Primer Sample Chapter

Across the United States, school districts large and small are realizing the benefits of building green schools. Students, parents, teachers and community members are making a difference, by letting elected officials know they want their schools built green. As advocates for sustainability, LPA designers are committed to making green schools a reality because they cost less, are healthier and provide more stimulating environments.

Wendy Rogers,California Green Schools,California Green Schools Summit,LPA,LPA Inc.,Green Schools Advocate

Excellent indoor air quality, daylight infused spaces and carefully planned acoustics make the learning process easier and more enjoyable for students and teachers alike. In addition, the number of sick days tends to decrease as a result of clean indoor air. Healthier schools mean healthier kids, which lead to higher ADA (Average Daily Attendance) and increased revenue for the school.

Teachers who utilize sustainable spaces as teaching tools are now able to provide valuable, new learning opportunities for students. What better way to learn about energy efficiency and renewable energy systems than to examine, observe and study the photovoltaic panels atop the school? Or learn about water management via the storm water reclamation system on the athletics field?

Inside schools sustainable design has the potential to reach far beyond just a building. It can become a living, connected teaching partner in the educational journey.

It's exciting to see teachers who are passionate about the integration of curriculum with green school construction. We look forward to the development of curriculum that will better equip teachers with the tools to inspire their students to conserve resources.

Backed by statistics, faculty and parents are beginning to speak up. To further this movement, teachers can encourage the development of green schools outside of the classroom by inviting advocates to speak to their school board or PTA (check with the U.S. Green Building Council for the advocacy team nearest you). Students can work with their parents to write to their congress member and ask them to join the Green Schools Caucus or ask a local reporter/blogger to write a story about green schools, or the lack thereof.

Now more than ever before we're hopeful that all schools will be built green.