USGBC Florida - Green Schools

Home
Spotlight
Green Schools

Green schools for everyone within this generation.

Westview K-8 Duval County School -- LEED Gold ... hurricane shelter ... autistic wing ... and came in under school district's long-term energy goal!

When you look at many of our schools today, you see outdated buildings in need of repairs, burdened with unsafe toxins, dwindling budgets and outdated resources. The picture is not pretty. The USGBC Center for Green Schools 2016 State of Our Schools Report and below infographic proves this sorry state.

But USGBC has a better vision: green schools for everyone within this generation. By promoting the design and construction of green schools, and by greening the operations and maintenance of existing schools, we can make a tremendous impact on student health, school operational costs and the environment. Show more...

Twenty-five percent of Americans go to school each day as a student, employee or volunteer. Additionally, Americans spend 90% of their time indoors. There is zero question that teaching students the importance of healthy buildings is of critical importance. Every day homes and schools impact a child's respiratory health and ability to concentrate and perform. Studies show that green schools, in particular LEED certified schools, result in fewer asthma attacks, reduced sick days, increased teacher satisfaction, increased school spirit, and even increased test scores.

That is why USGBC Florida focuses on the following Green School priorities:

Green Apple Day of Service
Green Classroom Professional Certificate
LEED Learning Lab

Galaxy Elementary in Palm Beach County ... LEED Platinum ...
Curriculum themed on energy, the environment, engineering
and includes a focus on science and math ... the first LEED school
in the country to integrate the curriculum into the building and site design

That is why USGBC National launched Center for Green Schools which focuses on:

Engagement of educators and informing leadership from school Boards to college presidents about the benefits of healthy, high-performing schools.
Working with state and local governments to draft smart, practical policies.
* A State Legislator's Guide to Best Policy Practices
* Campaign Brief: Establish Common Ground around Green Schools
* Draft Legislative Text: Resolution to Support Green Schools
* Draft Legislative Text: Resolution to Support Green Apple Day of Service
* Green Schools Menu of Options for State Legislators
Providing trainings and helpful resources to those who need it most -- K-12 schools serving lower-income families, under-resourced institutions, and community colleges.
Disseminating advocacy tools to support USGBC student groups and our nationwide network of more than 1,000 Green School Committee volunteers. We want to inspire innovation that can be replicated and deployed to every school and every college and university campus in this country and beyond.
Hosting and growing Green Apple Day of Service nationally and internationally every single day.

Where We Learn Matters

"We Learn Here and Where We Learn Matters" (:30 Spot) from Center for Green Schools on Vimeo.

Green Apple Day of Service

The Green Apple Day of Service (GADS) is a worldwide phenomenon, a truly global initiative. Since its inception in 2012, Green Apple Day of Service has inspired more than 10,000 school improvement projects, commitments and events in 72 countries and all 50 States, engaging more than 700,000 volunteers. Collectively, GADS efforts have impacted more than 7 million students worldwide.

GADS gives parents, teachers, students, companies and local organizations the opportunity to transform schools into healthy, safe and productive learning environments through local service projects. Check out project ideas, pick up helpful event resources, find an event in your area, and register your 2016 project today!

In 2015, volunteers from the seven Regions of the USGBC Florida Chapter contributed significant support and energy to this worthwhile cause. But we can do better! Mark Saturday, September 24, 2016, on your calendar as a day set aside to will join hundreds of Floridians making a hands-on difference by greening schools in your community. In addition to the links above, reach out to info@usgbcflorida.org with questions.

The Green Classroom Professional Certificate

The Green Classroom Professional (GCP) Certificate program provides preK-12 educators and school staff with the knowledge to identify what supports or impedes healthy, resource efficient and environmentally sustainable learning spaces. The course and exam help participants recognize, adopt, and implement practices that keep teachers and students focused, alert and ready to learn. Learn more ...

LEED Lab

LEED Lab is a multidisciplinary immersion course that utilizes the built environment to educate and prepare students to become green-building leaders and sustainability-focused citizens. In the course, students assess the performance of existing facilities on campus and choose one building where they will facilitate the LEED for Building Operations and Maintenance (LEED O+M) process with the goal of certifying the facility. At the close of the semester, the students are prepared to sit for the LEED AP O+M professional credential exam. The LEED Lab offering is now available by any higher education institution. Check out these two inspiring articles: LEED Lab stories: At the University of Florida, graduates gain skills needed to hit the ground running and Sustainability Specialist Completes Building Certification Program. Learn more ...