Greener Pastures

Education administrators do not have to be deeply committed to the ecology movement to see the value of conserving energy and providing more environmentally friendly facilities. Reducing energy costs frees up funds for learning programs. Providing more healthful facilities can help students and teachers ward off illness and disease and perform more effectively. For schools eager to adopt a green philosophy regarding design, construction, operations and maintenance, plenty of opportunities exist. In the past, energy-saving efforts may have consisted of turning down a thermostat, pulling down the shades, or putting on a sweater. However, as knowledge about conservation grows and technologies make it easier to identify and quantify savings, administrators have more sophisticated tools available: (1) daylighting; (2) water; (3) geothermal; and (4) wind and sun. Martha Buckner, assistant superintendent of the Columbia-Brazoria Independent School District, says implementing sustainable features into their school has resulted in improved student learning.