by Brianna Crandall — November 23, 2015—Energy conservation and improved student performance top the list of reasons why Americans believe the country’s public school buildings should be upgraded, according to a recent independent poll commissioned by the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and sponsored by Excel Dryer, Inc.
Results also show an increase in support for green schools, finding that eight out of 10 Americans support schools that create a healthy environment conducive to learning, while also saving energy, resources and money.
The results from the nationwide survey, which investigates attitudes toward quality of U.S. public school infrastructure and investments in modernization, were announced at last week’s 2015 Greenbuild International Conference & Expo in Washington, DC.
This is the first time energy conservation has topped the list since the survey was initially conducted in 2011 — its last iteration was in 2013. This year, saving energy was on par with improved student performance as the two biggest motives for change, followed closely by improved student and faculty health. Additional considerations included reducing environmental impacts, creating jobs and saving tax dollars.
The Center for Green Schools notes the “staggering” finding that utility bills are the second-highest operating expense for a school district, second only to teacher salaries, and asserts that energy efficiency measures can release precious tax dollars to help ensure that schools are healthy, safe and efficient and are able to provide a quality education.
The findings of the poll point to a growing awareness of the need for better school buildings, says the Center. A full 92% of Americans across party lines agree that the quality of public school buildings should be improved, and nearly two-thirds of Americans feel it is very important to improve public school buildings.
The independent survey of 500 U.S. residents was conducted via telephone in early November and administered by David Binder Research.
For more FM-specific information on Excel Dryer products, see also the company’s FMLink ad.
