Report to Serve as Green School Blueprint
NEW ORLEANS — Three major green organizations recently unveiled a report that outlines a five-point national action plan local governments can use as a framework to develop and implement green schools initiatives.
The report, "Local Leaders in Sustainability: A Special Report from Sundance," was created by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives – Local Governments for Sustainability, the U.S. Green Building Council and the American Institute of Architects at the institute’s national convention in New Orleans and the council’s annual government summit in Washington.
The findings were the result of "insightful discussions" during the Greening of America’s Schools Summit, held at the Redford Center in Sundance, Utah, held in November.
"The Greening of Americas Schools Summit marked an important first step in realizing that the environmental quality of our schools is essential to our future and long-term well-being," said Martin J. Chávez, executive director of the International Council and three-term mayor of Albuquerque, N.M. "As a result, mayors and superintendents came together to chart a new course toward healthy, sustainable schools where our children can grow and excel."
The report aims to serve as a blueprint for implementation to allow every child to attend a green school, he said.
The major steps outlined in the five-point plan, some of which are based on successful initiatives from across the country, include connecting with the green schools movement, engaging stakeholders and raising awareness, and building community support and capacity.
The plan also includes implementation through benchmarking, policy and financing, and lastly, celebrating successes.
The report also provides a review of the benefits of green schools; a summary of local, state and federal policy solutions; leadership profiles of green school advocates; and case studies from both large cities and small communities.
"This report should serve as a guidepost for many communities throughout the country that are looking for ways to implement green initiatives but fear the expense involved," said Clark Manus, AIA president. "In reality, the average school is 42 years old, and energy inefficiencies cost it approximately $100,000 a year – money that could be better spent on teachers, education materials, books or computers."