Green Schools In Minnesota
Are you involved in a green school in Minnesota? We would sure like to
hear your story. Whether you are a teacher, student or parent, and whether
your school is a new green certified school, or an older school that practices
and teaches sustainability, please share your experience.
The U.S. Green Building Council has a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program (LEED) where schools can qualify, and if accepted, receive a plaque. The criteria is strict with considerations given to issues like green building materials, recycling, the use of rainwater and outdoor green areas, energy efficiency, water conservation, use of natural light and transportation. A lot of planning goes into a school that wishes to gain acceptance by this program.
The benefits, however, are many. Green schools are energy efficient buildings with a minimal carbon footprint. The energy savings can be as high as 70% of a conventional building. Most importantly, to me anyway, is the healthy environments created by these schools. The combination of clean air, natural light and non toxic building materials means our children are less likely to be home sick and more likely to be scoring higher on tests.
Minnesota's first LEED certified school was Westwood Elementary School in Zimmerman. The students of Westwood Elementary got together and made a list of why the rest of the nation should build green students. I'm sure all you grade school teachers out there can appreciate this list. Body heat helps warm Westwood - Local materials help keep costs down - Our two story school uses less land leaving more room for nature - We save earth's resources like water - Less garbage, we recycle - Grades improve in a great school - Attendance is higher - Kids stay healthier from fresh air - Kids stay alert with daylight - The school is cool. There you have it from the kids at Westwood Elementary.
We would love to know how you are helping a green school in Minnesota.
This can be in a new "green" school or an older building where sustainable
living and energy conservation is being taught and lived. Tell us about
your green school.
Tell us about your green school.
A green school, club or activity you are proud of.
Top of Green Schools In Minnesota
