by Shane Henson — January 25, 2013—The U.S. Green Building Council’s Center for Green Schools recently released its Best of Green Schools 2012 list to recognize schools that have put forth an A-plus effort in the area of sustainability.
Schools named to the Best of Green Schools 2012 list include:
- K-12 School(s): Manzo Elementary (Tuscon, AZ) and Bertschi Science Wing (Seattle, WA)
- Two-Year Higher Education Institution: Johnson County Community College (Overland Park, KS)
- Four-Year Higher Education Institution: Oberlin College (Oberlin, OH)
- School District: Virginia Beach City Public Schools (Virginia Beach, VA)
According to the Center for Green School, on average, green schools use 33 percent less energy and 32 percent less water than conventionally designed schools, significantly reducing utility costs. Green schools can save approximately $100,000 on operating costs annually—enough to hire two new teachers, buy 5,000 textbooks or purchase 200 new computers, the organization adds.
In addition to schools and a school district, individuals and policy makers committed to school sustainability were also named on the list. For a complete list see the Best of Green Schools 2012 Web site.
