Our area has a new elementary school that earned a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification (LEED-certified). That means two things. First, it was built with the environment in mind meaning resources are “green”, recycled, chemical free. And second, it is a healthy place to study and work.
It has some interesting features. Sunlight is channeled through solar tubes to ceiling tiles. These tiles are filled with magnifying glass-like bulbs. Amazingly, this creates a bright light source so that students do not need to “turn on the lights.” When it is dark and cloudy and lights are needed, the fluorescent lights automatically go on and off when someone enters and leaves the room.
To save energy heating water, the school has installed solar panels to warm the water.
Water saving features include toilets that offer the two flush system, using less water if flushing only liquid waste and faucets that turn on and off with motion detection. Those two things alone will reduce water usage by about 40%.
It’s great to see these “green building” ideas put to use. This is very easy in a new building but more difficult in an older building. Unfortunately, school districts don’t usually have the money to revamp their buildings to make them environmentally friendly.
Another school with more limited funds worked with a local plant nursery. The students planted trees and plants around their school. All of them have edible fruits. This serves several purposes. The students are learning that food comes from someplace besides “the store.” They are learning about gardening. And they can experience new fruits they knew nothing about. Hopefully, enough will be grown that the school cafeteria can incorporate these fresh items into the school menu. A win-win for all.
Big or small, every little bit helps. Perhaps there are schools or other buildings in your community which would benefit from these ideas. Why not get the ball rolling? YOU can be an advocate for our environment.
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