Green Schools In Maryland
Maryland is one of the leading states when it comes to green schools.
There are many green schools in Maryland. The Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) project is part of the U.S. Green Building Council.
If schools qualify, they are then rated either certified, silver or gold.
Evergreen Elementary School is one of those schools with a gold rating. To be rated green schools must score high in a number of environmental areas. They must make good use a available light because this is healthier and reduces the energy to operate artificial lighting. Water conservation is another consideration. Green school use low flow faucets and in many cases, two speed toilets. Rainwater is collected and used for the green outdoor space. Evergreen reduced normal water consumption by ninety percent, how cool is that.
The building material is looked at closely and anywhere a green product can be used it should be. Carpet can be made using recycled material as can steel beams and drywall. The trash left on a site is looked at also, how much was recycled and how much was hauled to the landfill.
The use of alternative energy is a very important part in green schools. Evergreen Elementary makes use of a geothermal heating and cooling system. The entire project is a teaching tool for the students because they can see sustainable living in action and bet a much better understanding of it.
Not only was the school granted a gold rating it also won the Award of Excellence for the School and Universities Project of the Year. These are two huge distinctions for this remarkable school.
Are you involved in a green school in Maryland, either a LEED green school or a school teaching sustainable living and energy conservation? Hopefully you are, if not, why not get involved and make it happen. Get together, students, teachers and parents and make your school green. Let us know what you are doing to help a school go green in Maryland.
Tell us about your green school.
A green school, club or activity you are proud of.
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