Research
The research is
clear. A well-thought-out, strategically implemented, and carefully
monitored resource conservation plan pays off for schools. Whether
the program is large or small, narrow in focus or all-encompassing,
the benefits can be substantial. And the benefits extend beyond
financial savings and resource conservation. Studies have
demonstrated a clear and, at times, dramatic impact on student
achievement, increased conservation awareness, reduced absenteeism,
improved morale, and teacher retention.
Research-based support for going green is extensive. As a starting
point, we offer the following:
“Greening
America’s Schools: Costs and Benefits”
is a
“carefully
documented study [that] conclusively demonstrates the financial,
environmental, and other benefits of using green technologies in
schools.” According to this report, building
green schools costs $3/square foot. The total financial benefits
in energy, emissions, water and wastewater, increased earnings, asthma
reduction, cold and flu reduction, teacher retention, employment
impact total $74/square foot. The net financial benefits total
$71/square foot.
http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=2908
Natural Light Helps Test Scores
a
study conducted by the Heschong Mahone Group Inc.
and submitted to Pacific Gas & Electric found a “uniformly positive
and statistically significant correlation between the presence of
daylight and better student test scores.”
Register for a free, detailed report at
http://www.h-m-g.com
http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICDocs/data/ericdocs2sql/content_storage_01/0000019b/80/43/f1/fc.pdf Green School Construction Clearview Elementary in Hanover, Pennsylvania was built using green features. The $6.35 million building costs less than 2.5% more to build than average elementary schools in Pennsylvania. The building saves about $18,000 a year on energy costs – meaning a complete payback in nine years from energy savings alone.
http://www.buildgreenschools.org/documents/pp_Clearview_Elem.pdf
Design Lights conducted a case study at Cathedral High School in Massachusetts in 2004. The school was built in the 1950s, and with an updated lighting system is now saving $31,609 per year. The Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECO) offered to adapt the Classroom Lighting Know-How Series Guide to develop a new and comprehensive lighting design for the school. http://www.designlights.org/downloads/Cathedral%20High.pdf
Garden-Based Youth Education Programs
can have a positive impact on students attending Title 1 schools.
Positive effects include academic and interdisciplinary skills,
understanding of science concepts and gardening skills,
environmental awareness and appreciation, and social development and
growth.
Morgan, S. C., Hamilton, S. L., Bentley, M. L., Myrie, S. (2009,
Summer), Journal of
Environmental Education [Online], 35-52. Available: EBSCOhost.
[2009, July 16]. Abstract and information on obtaining full text
available through ERIC. Contact your local school or university
library.