1. Green School Design Gary A. Jerue ED 846 Spring 2010

2. What is a Green School “Green” or “sustainable” schools use key resources like energy, water, materials, and land more efficiently than buildings that are just built to code. With more natural light and better air quality, green buildings typically contribute to improved employee and student health, comfort, and productivity. Source: Kats, 2003

3. What is a Green School “Green” or “sustainable” schools are sensitive to: Environment Resource & energy consumption Impact on people Financial impact Source: Kats, 2003

4. LEED Certification The United States Green Building Council (USGBC), a national non-profit entity, developed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System to rate new and existing commercial, institutional, and high-rise residential buildings according to their environmental attributes and sustainable features. Source: Kats, 2003

5. LEED Certification The LEED system utilizes a list of 34 potential performance based “credits” worth up to 69 points, as well as 7 prerequisite criteria, divided into six categories: Sustainable Sites Water Efficiency Energy and Atmosphere Materials and Resources Indoor Environmental Quality Innovation & Design Process Source: Kats, 2003

6. LEED Certification Four levels of LEED certification are possible; depending on the number of criteria met, and indicate increasingly sustainable building practices: LEED Certified 26-32 points LEED Silver 33-38 points LEED Gold 39-51 points LEED Platinum 52+ points Source: Kats, 2003

7. LEED Certification A detailed review of 60 LEED rated buildings, demonstrates that green buildings, when compared to conventional buildings, are: ■ On average 25-30% more energy efficient ■ Characterized by even lower electricity peak consumption ■ More likely to generate renewable energy on-site Source: Kats, 2003

8. LEED Process Review Minimum Program Requirements for LEED Certification Form a project team with organizational stakeholders Conduct the LEED certification assessment to determine if the site is appropriate Through the LEED certification assessment project measures are identified. Source: US Green Building Council, 2009

9. LEED Process Project team can modify the list of project measures to ensure all desired LEED credits are included Determine project financing needs (dollar amount, terms, potential borrowing limitations, etc.) and research options Determine how the building’s utility systems will be maintained to ensure savings are continually generated Establish procedures to ensure cost savings are realized Source: US Green Building Council, 2009

10. Financial Benefits The financial benefits of green buildings include lower energy, waste disposal, and water costs, lower environmental and emissions costs, lower operations and maintenance costs, and savings from increased productivity and health. Energy and water savings can be predicted with reasonable precision, measured, and monitored over time. In contrast, productivity and health gains are much less precisely understood and far harder to predict with accuracy. Source: Kats, 2003

11. Energy Savings Energy is a substantial and widely recognized cost of building operations that can be reduced through energy efficiency and related measures that are part of green building design. Green building energy savings primarily come from reduced electricity purchases, and secondarily from reduced peak energy demand On average, green buildings use 30% less energy than conventional buildings Source: Kats, 2003

12. Environmental Improvement Strategies Energy Use Solid Waste Management Indoor Air Quality Pest Management Mold Growth Water Consumption Laboratory Waste Source: Illinois EPA, 2003

13. Common Belief In recent years there has been a common belief that green buildings cost more than traditionally designed buildings which can not be justified from a cost benefits standpoint. This perception has been the single largest barrier to the more widespread acceptance of green design. Source: Kats, 2003

14. Initial Costs The majority of this cost is due to the increased architectural and engineering (A&E) design time, modeling costs and time necessary to integrate sustainable building practices into projects. Generally, the earlier green building features are incorporated into the design process, the lower the cost. Source: Kats, 2003

15. Project Costs

16. Financing Formula Self-financing Tax-exempt lease-purchase agreements for qualifying entities Power purchase agreements for renewable energy projects Equipment finance agreements Commercial loans or bond financing Source: US Green Building Council, 2009

17. The Bottom Line Save money through reduced consumption of goods and energy savings Increase efficiency of operations and use of resources Create favorable learning and teaching conditions Avoid future liability problems Educate the next generation of the value of caring for the environment Source: Illinois EPA, 2003

18. Thank you for your support!