Saving Green by Being Green

Local schools saving green by being green

Jul. 15, 2011 - Building green is better for the environment and for the checkbook, according to recent research and a group in Congress trying to promote more green schools.

Twenty percent of the U.S. population spends its days in school, between students, teachers, staff and administrators, and groups like the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council have been promoting environmentally-friendly green building practices to improve student performance and health and create more sustainable energy practices.

Some members of Congress are on board as well, and U.S. Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, who co-chairs the Green School Caucus, said the group's kickoff meeting this week would help create dialogue about how to better promote green school construction. He said green building isn't just good for the environment, but kind to the taxpayers' wallets.

"Energy efficient schools cost less to operate," he said. "In Utah, where our resources are stretched thin, cost savings are critically important to the bottom line in our local school districts." read more>>>