Money Granted
Mar 1, 2010 12:00 PM, By Lois Vitt Sale, Jay Womack and Stella Nicolet
Many school officials have used green grants to expand their budgets for sustainable initiatives.
Simple green practices
Education institutions don't always have to pursue grants by themselves. In some cases, an architect or construction manager can help.
But even if green grants are not right for a school, it still can integrate many environmentally friendly practices that require no first-cost premium. Simple things may give a big payoff. A school should begin by identifying its environmental pressures and priorities — and these can be different. For instance, if student recruitment and retention is critical, an institution may want to identify visible programs that signal the institution's interest in sustainability. If operating costs are the subject of too many meetings, investments that boost energy efficiency and lower operating costs are the place to start.
Another way to put sustainability into action is to harness student energy. Many institutions have engaged students in energy-saving competitions. Results can be measured by how much they reduce utility costs, by counting the number of light bulbs replaced in a given timeframe or by other metrics that quantify environmental improvements.
Other inexpensive practices include collecting roof runoff in rain barrels to provide water for irrigation, changing to a green cleaning program, reprogramming building temperature controls, putting lights on timers and switching off computer monitors when not in use.
Some links to explore:
National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities: http://www.ncef.org/school-modernization
Energy Star: www.energystar.gov; Click "Buildings & Plants" tab
U.S. Green Building Council: www.usgbc.org and www.buildgreenschools.org; At usgbc.org click the "Education" and "Education Resource" tabs
Dr. Scholl Foundation: www.drschollfoundation.com
BP: www.bp.com; Click the "Fabric of America" tab
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