It is a universal truth that a parent with any modicum of wisdom is in need of good schools for their children. (With apologies to Jane Austen)

Many variables factor into the formula for creating a good school, but as I learned recently, having a green school can tip the scales between a good school and a great school.  That’s why this parent, for one, was excited to take part recently in the third annual Green Schools Symposium, held recently at AMD’s “Lone Star” campus in Austin, TX.

Organized by the US Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Central Texas – Balcones chapter and the American Institute of Architects-Austin’s Committee on the Environment, the event brought together roughly 200 architects, educators, builders and legislators to discuss the latest advances in making America’s schools healthier, more efficient, more productive and more sustainable.

“If you’re a green bldg. advocate, you’re not alone. You’re part of a nationwide movement that includes literally thousands of green schools,” Bob Harris, member of the board of directors for the national USGBC, told the audience early in the day.

Understandably, the symposium attracted avid supporters of the green building movement. But listening to the wide array of speakers and the mountains of data and anecdotes presented at the symposium, it’s hard to understand why green school advocates would have any detractors whatsoever. Consider this:

• Green schools can save on average $100,000 per year in operating expenses
• That savings can be applied to roughly hire two new teachers, buy 200 new computers or purchase 5,000 new textbooks
• A 2006 study by the US Green Building Council found that green schools use, on average, 30-50% less energy and 30% less water. And, there is an average of 38.5% reduction in asthma in schools with improved air quality.
• A 1999 daylighting study of more than 21,000 students showed a dramatic correlation between daylit school environments and student performance, including:
  • 20% faster progression in math
  • 26% faster progression in reading
  • Window views increased performance by 5-10%
• Another study demonstrated that students attending schools in full spectrum light attended schools an average of 3+ more days per year, and owing to additional vitamin D they received, they had 9 times less dental decay and grew 2.1 cm more during a two-year period than students attending schools with average lighting.

Currently, there are about 1,750 US schools that are either LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified or are in the process of being certified. And other efforts are taking place around the globe to help green our world’s schools or otherwise create greener and healthier learning environments. The Green School Alliance/Clinton Climate Initiative and the Green Schools Project are just a couple of examples.

You don’t have to have graduated from a great school, a good school, a green school, or any school for that matter, to recognize and understand the potential value green schools can offer our children.  And the USGBC offers plenty of suggestions for how to get on the green schools bandwagon.

Do it now, while the greening is good.

Catherine Greenlaw is a Senior Public Relations Manager at AMD. Her postings are her own opinions and may not represent AMD’s positions, strategies or opinions. Links to third party sites are provided for convenience and unless explicitly stated, AMD is not responsible for the contents of such links sites and no endorsement is implied.