Blog Entry #5 "Go Green Go"

In the article “Green Schools Don’t Make the Grade” there were several facts that were presented as well as data regarding the effectiveness on energy savings of green schools verses newly constructed schools not under a green program. I found this to be an interesting article because I have done extensive research into green building methods and green initiatives such as LEED, Energy Star, and EERE (energy efficiency and renewable energy). These programs were initially designed reduce power costs and improve appearances of industrial, corporate, and state and federal buildings. I have researched this and its effects on airports because of their unique designs and requirements. Schools pose extremely unique requirements as well and have special requirements that go above and beyond what these programs were intended for.
There are many schools being built today that incorporate green technology such as geothermal heating and air, filtered water systems, and recycled materials that are not being built under LEED green guidelines. The main reason schools are using these new methods in construction is for the overall efficiency and cost savings. This is partial what is reflected in the data provided by in the article reflecting the lower utility costs of new buildings not built under LEED’s certification. School Buildings built under the LEED’s certification require additional features and materials that are not typically associated with schools and may in fact be hazardous to maintaining security and safety in schools.
These programs have many great qualities and any additional money offered by the federal government to improve or build new schools is beneficial. Government money offsets what schools would have to pay to upgrade and put in to new buildings therefore, money schools would have spent can be applied in other areas of education. I do believe that the program does need to be reevaluated and advancement in school design and green technology needs to be a priority instituted along with this initiative. There are additional benefits to the LEED’s certification program that were not included in the article which include improved natural lighting, interior greenways, and noise control.