Green Schools In South Carolina
Schools across the country are going green. Are you involved in a green
school in South Carolina? If so, we would love to hear about it.
Green schools can either be newly constructed green buildings or they can be
existing structures where sustainable living and energy efficiency are taught
and experienced.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a part of the U.S. Green Building Council and they have a special division for schools. LEED certified schools have scored high on a list of many environmental issues. Points are given for energy conservation and water management. They also look at the materials used to build the structure, were they made from recycled material and were the manufactured locally. Construction waste is examined to see what percentage is recycled and what percentage is sent to a landfill. Lighting is a major concern in green schools, the more natural light the better, and the artificial light needs to be sensor controlled for maximum efficiency.
The first LEED certified school in South Carolina is located in North Charleston. It is the North Charleston Elementary School, a second home to about 500 lucky students. Because this school has an abundance of natural light and a highly effective clean air system these kids have the best chance of staying healthy and learning all they can.
Some of the green features at North Charleston Elementary School are the use of natural light, the use of low-flow fixtures in the bathrooms, an HVAC system that freezes ice at night to cool the school during the day, the use of native landscaping to reduce water use and low-VOC paints and adhesives used in the construction.
Green schools act as teaching tools, making sustainable living and energy conservation easier for our children to understand. They also act as teaching tools for other parents, teachers and administrators looking for ways to green their existing schools. Any school can go green. One of the greenest things a school can do is start a green club and get the kids involved. From there you will start seeing things like recycle containers, compost bins, bike racks and changing rooms, gardens and possibly a solar panel or two being installed around the school. Kids are pretty amazing when given a little guidance and a gentle nudge in the right direction.
What are you doing to green a school in South Carolina? Share your story so that maybe we can get others involved.
Tell us about your green school.
A green school, club or activity you are proud of.
Top of Green Schools In South Carolina
