At the April Green Schools Symposia, almost 90 people representing school districts, school vendors, LEED supporters and parents attended.

The second Green Schools Symposia ended with a panel discussion from Houston ISD, Columbia-Brazoria ISD and St. Catherine´s Montessori school - districts that have all built LEED schools.

Rives Taylor, former board member for USGBC-GHAC, was among the speakers who presented detailed information to the participants about how to build a LEED school.

Green schools cost less to operate, freeing up resources to truly improve students’ education. Their carefully planned acoustics and abundant daylight make it easier and more comfortable for students to learn. Their clean indoor air cuts down sick days and gives our children a head start for a healthy, prosperous future. And their innovative design provides a wealth of hands-on learning opportunities.

Across the United States, school districts large and small are realizing the benefits of building with LEED for Schools. Students, parents, teachers and community members are making the difference, by letting elected officials know they want their schools built green.

LEED FOR SCHOOLS IN GREATER HOUSTON AREA

The Houston chapter is dedicated to showing school district leaders how the LEED FOR SCHOOLS process can benefit them. Other leading organizations in the area are also committed. Earlier this year, the Houston-Galveston Area Council joined with the Houston chapter to produce a year-long symposia to educate the public and educators about the facts and costs for LEED FOR SCHOOLS.

Called TAKE A BITE OUT OF OPERATING AND BUILDING COSTS, the symposia will end in October with Part 3 for parent groups, such as PTAs or PTOs October 11, 2008, Register now!

Lily´s School USGBC´s initiative for LEED FOR SCHOOLS continues with interviews from children who understand the benefits of the process.

Generation G This short film by Kontent Real highlights the significance of learning in a green school, as told by the students of the Sidwell Friends school. Visit www.buildgreenschools.org.

USGBC Build Green Schools Build Green Schools is the place to start making a change in your community. Here, you can: » Learn what makes green schools better for students. » Learn about LEED, the national benchmark for high-performance schools. » Find videos, research, case studies and other resources. » Read the most recent green schools news. » Get involved