by Brianna Crandall — May 23, 2011—The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) recently unveiled Local Leaders in Sustainability: A Special Report from Sundance, which outlines a five-point national action plan that mayors and local leaders can use as a framework to develop and implement green schools initiatives. AIA notes that the average (42-year-old) school wastes some $100,000 a year on energy inefficiencies.
The special report stems from the Greening of America’s Schools Summit, which took place November 2010 in Sundance, Utah. USGBC and its Center for Green Schools; the Redford Conference Center, founded by Robert Redford; and ICLEI—Local Governments for Sustainability USA, collaborated to host the summit, which brought U.S. mayors and superintendents from cities across the country, along with leaders in green design, education, arts and green school advocacy to discuss the importance of greening school districts.
The steps outlined in the five-point plan include tangible action steps based on the conversations that took place at Sundance and successful green schools initiatives from across the United States, including:
- Connect with the Green Schools Movement
- Engage Stakeholders and Raise Awareness
- Build Community Support and Capacity
- Make it Happen: Benchmarking, Policy and Financing
- Celebrate Success
The report also provides a comprehensive review of the benefits of green schools; a summary of local, state and federal policy solutions; leadership profiles of green school advocates; and case studies from both large cities and small communities. Together, these resources serve as a roadmap on the journey to green schools, say the authors.
