The US public school system is getting greener. Public schools across the US are beginning to adopt green policies and build more sustainable infrastructure. Together these efforts reduce environmental impacts while offering a valuable ecological lesson to students.
School districts are spending hundreds of millions on new green schools. Some are even getting LEED certified. Almost half of all new school construction contains green elements which is up from only 15 percent in 2008. According to McGraw-Hill, by 2025, all new school construction will be green.
In addition to greener buildings schools are increasingly integrating eco-elements into their curricula. Schools across the country are also greening children’s education through programs that range from tree planting, to recycling initiatives and energy conservation.
The Detroit Public Schools and the regional chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council are working together to promote environmentalism among students. This program integrates recycling, gardening, and energy conservation.
The net impact of these simple initiatives should not be underestimated. They are low cost, high return investments that will continue to yield dividends well into the future. Investing in children may well be the best way to ensure a more sustainable world.
Make sure to see the article titled, “Comprehensive Green School Information and Resources.” It contains links to over 200 articles covering everything you need to know about sustainable academics, student’s eco-initiatives, green school buildings, and college rankings as well as a wide range of related information and resources.
