LWVCA STUDY: GREEN SCHOOLS IN THE CHARLESTON AREA

League of Women Voters^®
of the Charleston Area

LWVCA STUDY: GREEN SCHOOLS IN THE CHARLESTON AREA

Green Schools Study Background and Findings

Background and findings of LWVCA's Green Schools Study, concluded in 2010.

Study Background

Members of the League of Women Voters of the Charleston Area at the May 2007 annual meeting voted to adopt a study on green schools in the tri-county area. The study's two main components included:
1. Whether the benefits of green buildings - particularly school building - outweigh the costs, and
2. If so, whether mandates should exist at the state and school district level to require green building standards for new construction

Twenty percent of America goes to school every day - that's more than 55 million students and more than 5 million faculty (USGBC, 2008). Over a quarter of these students and teachers attend schools that are considered substandard or dangerous to occupant health. Recently, the poor quality of South Carolina schools has made national headlines, while green building continues to compose an increasing percentage of the overall market.

The LWVUS identifies the need for citizens to protect public health and the environment, including air quality, energy, land use, water resources and waste management. The practice of green building utilizes techniques and materials that result in energy savings, reduction in natural resources required, and decreased operational costs. The Charleston League recognized the positive synergy that could exist between an energy- and cost-saving building program and an ailing educational system, and thus initiated a study to analyze its potential impact and implications.

From 2007-2009, the study committee researched green school studies and case studies, and has tracked legislation and local policies from across the country, making regular reports to the board on findings. In January 2009 we hosted a public program, "Green Schools Forum," which explored costs and benefits with facilities directors from two area school districts, and a green schools architect. We have written articles in the Voters Voice and posted information on the LWVCA website. We have attended Charleston Green Committee Education Subcommittee meetings, and many green schools educational sessions locally and nationally.

Study Findings

Research continues to confirm that green schools have a tremendous impact on student health, test scores, teacher retention, school operational costs and the environment. A 2% increase in up-front costs yields financial benefits 20 times as large (Kats, 2006). Both Charleston County and Berkeley County School Districts have incorporated sustainable elements into their capital improvements programs, yet neither has published to the public the guidelines against which it measures its performance. Dorchester Schools have not implemented sustainability or green strategies. The absence of approved, published standards and building performance measurement tools significantly reduces the school district's accountability to carry out green school strategies.

Comments, suggestions, questions? Contact our webmaster. Last revised: December 15, 2011 17:13 PST.