Sample Green Schools Resolution

Whereas deteriorating school infrastructure and poor indoor environmental quality threaten the health, well being and achievement of staff and students;

Whereas current climate and energy challenges compound the structural and resource deficiencies of our district’s schools;

Whereas green schools are schools that create a healthy environment that is conducive to learning while saving energy, resources and money;

Whereas, green schools create a learning environment that supports student learning through improvements in site selection, daylighting, indoor air quality, thermal comfort, acoustics, and classroom design – all of which have an important impact on a child’s ability to learn and a teacher’s ability to teach;

Whereas, the benefits of superior indoor air quality – a key emphasis of green schools – have been linked to lower asthma rates, fewer allergies, reduced absenteeism, and increased teacher retention rates;

Whereas, green schools use an average of 30 – 50% less energy compared to conventional schools;

Whereas, green schools cost less to operate, utilize durable materials, and greatly reduce water and energy use, which generates significant financial savings;

Whereas, green schools provide an educational experience that transcends the classroom by creating a host of opportunities for curriculum innovation and hands-on, project based learning in which the building itself becomes an interactive teaching tool;

Whereas green schools do not cost more to build than conventional schools;

Therefore, be it resolved that:

Effective ______, for new construction and major renovation projects undertaken using District funds the school district will seek and submit application for LEED certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED for Schools or LEED for New Construction rating system as appropriate. The school district will undertake a good faith effort of meeting a minimum of LEED Silver certification, or receive a rating under a comparable system with requirements at least equivalent to the requirements of LEED Silver certification. Projects are encouraged to earn LEED Gold or LEED Platinum certification, or an equivalent rating, to the extent practicable.

Effective _____, the district will register all facilities under the LEED for Existing Buildings Operations & Maintenance rating system, or under a comparable system with requirements at least as equivalent to the LEED for Existing Buildings Operation & Maintenance rating system. The district will pursue certification for each facility to the extent practicable.

The LEED for Schools Rating System recognizes the unique nature of the design and construction of K-12 schools. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED for Schools is the recognized benchmark for green schools, with third-party reviews to ensure that school are healthy for students, comfortable for teachers and cost-effective.

The LEED for Existing Buildings Rating System helps building owners and operators measure operations, improvements and maintenance on a consistent scale, with the goal of maximizing operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts. LEED for Existing Buildings addresses whole-building cleaning and maintenance issues (including chemical use), recycling programs, exterior maintenance programs, and systems upgrades. It can be applied both to existing buildings seeking LEED certification for the first time and to projects previously certified under LEED for New Construction, Schools, or Core & Shell.