Submitted by guest blogger, Nicole
With cash strapped governments, urged on by rising costs schools are going green and employing ways to save money in water, electricity and in health costs. Even if the school cost a little more to build the overall savings over time is incalculable. Over 100 schools have been certified by the Green Building Council and hundreds more are seeking certification.
According to a study done by U.S. Green Building Council, green schools use 33% less energy and 32% less water, saviang over $100,000 each year in energy costs alone.
With that in mind, designer Carrie Johnson and construction company Swinerton Incorporated, are ‘rebuilding’ Pacific Ridge High School in Carlsbad, to become one of the most eco-friendly campuses in the country.
There is no better way to teach kids about energy efficient habits then by building a green, eco friendly school, where they can have first hand experience on environmental impact and instill sustainable habits to last for a lifetime.
I think this is a great plan. The population is growing each year, which is increasing the demand for schools. There is already 374 schools in San Diego. If every new school could begin to follow this green campus, so much energy and money can be saved. And most importantly, it is teaching the up and coming generations how to be environmentally efficient, and they too can make a difference in their every day life.
Some of the things they plan to incorporate:
- Decrease electricity bills- have indoor and outdoor space for classrooms to provide access to natural light.
- Easy access to outdoor air, preventing excessive use of air conditioning.
- Sensors to avoid the use of extra light when not needed.
- Landscape- efficient water system and plants that are native to the environment.
Overall, this project will result in a 40% decrease of energy use.
Source:http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/nov/29/new-school-keep-environment-mind