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Louisiana can become a model for the nation by demonstrating the benefits of green buildings and, particularly, high performance schools. A high performance or green school is designed, built, renovated, operated, or reused in an ecological and resource-efficient manner.
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Louisiana can become a model for the nation by demonstrating the benefits of green buildings and, particularly, high performance schools.
A high performance or green school is designed, built, renovated, operated, or reused in an ecological and resource-efficient manner. Green schools protect occupant health, provide a productive learning environment, connect students to the natural world, increase attendance, reduce operating costs, improve teacher retention, and reduce impact to the environment.
As a nation we • on K-12 construction. It’s the largest construction sector of the economy.
K-12 Energy Costs • U.S. K-12 schools spend $8 billion annually on energy: • Electricity 63% • Natural Gas 29% • Oil 7% • District Heat 3% • 2nd largest cost after personnel
The Bottom Line • On average, green schools cost 1.7% more to build, and this is usually paid back in 1st year of operation. • Higher costs can be offset by smaller HVAC systems or lower code compliance costs, i.e., a green roof or greywater system may eliminate capital cost of water retention system.
Some green schools are built at no additional cost. • Financial benefits of green schools exceed initial cost 20x. • If all school construction went “green” today, energy savings would be $20 billion over next 10 years.
Cost of Conventional Building Visible Costs 20% (construction/first cost) • Conventional buildings spend less on design and construction and more on operation and maintenance. • Green buildings spend more up front and less later. First Cost Legal Costs Energy Costs Equipment Shutdown Costs Engineering Charges Occupant Health Issues Maintenance Costs Construction Change Orders Performance Problems Start-up Delays Hidden Costs 80% (utility, operation and maintenance costs) Indoor Air Quality
Benefits For Our Children • Greening school design provides an extraordinarily cost-effective way to enhance student learning.
A study of 2000+ classrooms showed students with the most classroom daylight progressed 20% faster on math tests and 26% faster on reading tests.
High levels of background noise adversely affect learning environments, particularly for young children, who require optimal conditions for hearing and comprehension. Temperature comfort affects teaching quality as well as student alertness and achievement.
Poor indoor environmental and air quality result in: more sick days, lower productivity & motivation, lower tests scores, increased medical costs, and lower lifelong earnings.
Benefits for Environment Green schools use at least 33% less energy than conventionally designed schools.
Energy use can be reduced with: EE lamps & fixtures; occupancy & daylight sensors; shade trees; natural ventilation; Energy Star fixtures; and programmable thermostats. Solar power complements energy efficiency.
Stormwater runoff is reduced with green roofs, permeable surfaces and cisterns. • Water is saved by: irrigating with greywater or rainwater; low-flow fixtures; waterless urinals; automatic faucet shut-offs; and high efficiency dishwashers.
Green schools divert waste from landfills by recycling and purchasing recycled products. Alt. fuel buses reduce CO2, smog and ground level ozone. Bike paths and sidewalks encourage cycling and walking.
Community Benefits • Improved health and benefits for all students = greater equity. • Community use reduces need for additional facilities. • Better educated and compensated workforce • Reduced air and water pollution • Lower energy prices market-wide
Insurance Benefits • Worker Health & Safety • Property Loss Prevention • Liability Loss Prevention • Natural Disaster Preparedness & Recovery
National Green Schools Programs • Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) www.chps.net/national.htm • USGBC – LEED for Schools www.buildgreenschools.org/ • GG – Green Schools Initiative www.globalgreen.org/greenurbanism/schools/
CHPS Criteria • CHPS give points for daylighting, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, acoustics, building commissioning, sustainable materials, waste reduction, preventative maintenance, site protection, and water conservation.
LEED for Schools • LEED for Schools is based on LEED for New Construction & addresses unique school issues including classroom acoustics, master planning, mold prevention and environmental site assessment, providing a tool for measurable results.
GG Green Schools Initiative • GG works with CHPS (in California) and LEED for Schools (in Louisiana) • GG also partners with DOE on energy audits and energy saving strategies • Finally, GG does its own research and advocacy on behalf of green schools in the two states and nationwide
GG Green Schools Initiative in Louisiana • Advocacy & Outreach: • Promote implementation of green schools policy • Build community support • Green Seed Schools • Retrofit 4 occupied N.O. pubic schools • Invest $75,000 + tech. assist. in each school • Green Model Schools • Assist RSD in dev. of 2 LEED Silver schools • $720,000 + tech. assist. for both schools combined
Green Seed Schools International School A.P. Tureaud MLK Elementary
Green Seed Schools Process • Engage school officials & facilities personnel • Perform energy audit • Perform air quality tests (VOCs, Formaldehyde, Dust Mite Allergens) • Review & analyze recommended energy & water conservation measures/retrofits • Determine which conservation measures/retrofits to implement • Gather quotes from local vendors to implement conservation measures/retrofits
Model Green Schools GG providing over $720,000 in funding and technical assistance to Recovery School District (RSD) to achieve LEED Silver on 2 schools in New Orleans-- • Andrew Wilson Elementary – Major Renovation • L.B. Landry High – New Construction
Model Green School Features • Solar thermal hot water systems • PV-ready design with space reserved for 2.5 Kw system • 2.5 PV system • Incorporation of water reuse strategies, such as rainwater harvesting cisterns
More Model Green School Features • Interpretive signage • Web-based building monitoring system that tracks and displays electricity, water, and natural gas usage in addition to solar energy production and usage • Native landscape
IN SUMMARY • Green schools benefit everyone .…students, teachers, administrators, facility managers, elected officials, the community • School districts cannot afford to NOT build high performance schools. • Louisiana can be a national green schools LEADER as it rebuilds
NOLA Green Schools Team Beth Galante, Director bgalante@globalgreen.org Linda Morgano, Program Associate lmorgano@globalgreen.org Linda Stone, Policy Associate lstone@globalgreen.org 841 Carondelet Street, NOLA 70130504-525-2121 www.globalgreen.org