Green Schools Advocacy Circle

More than 20% of America goes to school every day. Not only do learning environments have a profound impact on the health and well-being of our children, they represent a tremendous lever for mainstreaming green building practices into homes and offices around the U.S. that have not yet been connected to the green building movement.

Green schools cost less to operate, freeing up resources to truly improve students’ education. Their carefully planned acoustics and abundant daylight make it easier and more comfortable for students to learn. Their clean indoor air cuts down sick days and gives our children a head start for a healthy, prosperous future. And their innovative design provides a wealth of hands-on learning opportunities.

Across the United States, school districts large and small are realizing the benefits of building with LEED for Schools. Students, parents, teachers and community members are making the difference, by letting elected officials know they want their schools built green.

Our Vision: Green schools within a generation for every child in America.

Our U.S. Green Building Council West Michigan Chapter has a very active Green School Advocacy Circle that meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. We typically meet at Kent Intermediate School District, Educational Services Building unless we are on a field trip. 

Next Meeting: Fourth Wednesday of each month, 8:30 - 10:00am. Subject to change.  Please call Renae to confirm.

Everyone is welcome to join us.  Please RVSP Renae Hesselink at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  if you plan on attending. 

 

What Can You Do Immediately?
  • This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
  • Visit our Build Green Schools website to learn more
  • Take the Green Schools Pledge
  • Become familiar with LEED for Schools
  • Distribute copies of Greening America's Schools

 

Minutes from our latest meetings:

 

The Mayor's Alliance for Green Schools - Mayor George Heartwell, City of Grand Rapids was one of the original Mayors putting forth this call to other Mayors around the country. 

 

Other News:

  • Green Schools Summary Report 2009 (NEW)
  • Higher ed institutions rack up LEED projects
  • School Building Authority pushes green buildings
  • Economic Stimulus Package and Green Schools Update from USGBC Press Release
    See the the details of the House Bill on National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities
  • America's Greenest School Contest
  • Green schools are having quite the week in our Nation’s Capitol!  The 21st Century Green High Performing Public School Facilities Act (H.R. 2187) was approved by an overwhelming majority (275-155) in the House of Representatives yesterday.  If signed into law, H.R. 2187 would authorize $6.4 billion for school renovation and modernization projects for fiscal year 2010, and would “ensure that school districts quickly receive funds for projects that improve schools’ teaching and learning climates, health and safety, and energy efficiency” by requiring 100% of the funds go to green projects, according to the House Committee on Education and Labor.  The legislation brings back to life much of the language of H.R. 3021, which was passed by the House last summer, but was not considered by the Senate last year. 
     
    To highlight the House legislation, CNN featured T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, VA in a video segment this week.  They also stopped by USGBC’s office to chat with our own Rachel Gutter about the benefits of green school construction and operations. 
     
    For more information, please see the press release from the House Committee on Education and Labor, below, and CNN's article about the bill’s passage.  USGBC will be watching this legislation closely as it next moves to the Senate, and we will keep you updated as it moves forward.

Curriculum Resources

 

For more information contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Green Schools Advocate for USGBCWM

 

Mission: To provide and develop leadership for environmental sustainability in green building and community development through strategic affiliations
and comprehensive proactive educational opportunities at all levels.