The Academic Superiority of Green Schools

Green schools may be more conductive to academic success than traditional schools. As reviewed in a 2012 press release, the University of Colorado Denver (UCD) there is a positive correlation between green schools and academic success.

The research was funded by the GSNN and UCD. The research consisted of a survey sent to more than 350 primary and secondary schools that identified themselves as green. Schools that took part in the survey observe GreenPrint core practices as defined by the Green Schools National Network (GSNN).

There was a positive correlation between academic success and the following 5 GreenPrint core principles:

1. Curriculum that advances environmental literacy and sustainability
2. Stewardship and service learning
3. Sustainable facilities design and management
4. Health and well being
5. Strong partnership and network

Although more research is needed, these results suggest that green schools may improve academic performance.

© 2012, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Video: The UK's Green Deal

A short film explaining the importance of the UK's Green Deal. This innovative program from will help homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient. The Green Deal will radically reduce their home heating bills while substantially reducing the UK's emissions profile. It will also create jobs and regenerate the national economy.

© 2012, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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USGBC's Green School Building Resources

With nearly 140,000 schools, colleges and universities in the United States the issue of green schools is an important one for students and environmental health. Green school buildings have a much smaller footprint and serve both as models and as valuable educational tools.

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) reports that 68 percent of high school students are looking for a green campus, the unfortunate reality is that the vast majority of schools are far from green.

Recently, the USGBC's Center for Green Schools was launched to work toward the ambitious goal of ensuring everyone has the opportunity to attend a green school.

Here are eleven green building resources from the USGBC:

Center for Green Schools

Introduction to the Center for Green Schools
USGBC Launches Center for Green Schools (PDF)

Green School Tools, Information and News

Green School 101
Green Existing Schools ToolKit
LEED, the national benchmark for high-performance schools
Read the most recent green schools news
Local, state and federal initiatives supporting green schools
Find videos, research, case studies and other resources

Student Action

How to get involved with green building
Government involvement and what you can do
Pass a resolution


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Energy Efficiency: Home Market & Smart Grid

The energy efficiency industry is undergoing unprecedented growth. This boom is driven by the increased participation of state and federal authorities, and movement toward a smarter grid. According to two new reports by Colorado-based Pike Research, the smart grid and deep retrofits for the home market are the next big energy efficiency initiatives.

Tax credits, low-cost financing, and other incentives are encouraging homeowner demand for more efficient heating systems, windows and insulation. The Pike report forecasts that the energy auditing market will triple from $8.1 billion in 2009 to $23.4 billion by 2014. Those auditors will recommend home improvements emphasizing efficiency upgrades. Pike Research predicts a $50.2 billion market in the installation of new electrical systems, appliances and major equipment, HVAC systems, roofing, windows and doors and other efficiency improvements by 2014, up from $39.3 billion.

The Energy Star appliances industry could receive an additional $11.3 billion in addition to the $21.9 billion by 2014 that is already forecasted.

The US smart grid project is another mammoth undertaking and it is increasingly focused on cyber security including measures to protect the electrical grid from attack. Research forecasts that from 2010 to 2015 about $21 billion will be invested globally in cyber security for the smart grid.

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