Few Schools Receive High Marks for Green Practices. Are Your Kids Getting an Environmental Education?
September 10th, 2007 by bruce_richmondWhen it comes to climate change, most schools get a failing grade.
But first, let’s look at the big picture, which shows a growing interest in building greener schools. Sixty schools across the U.S. have been certified by the U.S. Green Building Council, and 360 more are waiting to have applications approved.
There is a movement towards greener practices, too. Residence halls and dorm rooms are sporting energy-efficient mini-fridges and low-flow shower heads, among other eco-products for the generation used to sorting trash.
Locally, the Bay Area Green Business Program lists only four schools in Santa Clara County that they’ve certified as “Green.” San Mateo County started it’s program during the latter half of 2007 and is not yet certifying schools.
Stanford University is no surprise on the list. Stanford Dining received the first Acterra Award for Sustainability. They were a runner up in Grist’s 15 Green Colleges and Universities. They’ve embarked on a fascinating multidisciplinary Initiative on the Environment and Sustainablility. Lots of cool stuff going on at Stanford.
Palo Alto hosts two green schools: Castilleja, a private girls middle and high school on Bryant Street, and Gunn High School on Arastradero Road. The only elementary school is Sunnyvale’s Cumberland.
I guess as parents and teachers influence the schools, more environmental awareness will pass through the school. Then, the kids will be teaching us how to take better care of the planet we’ll be leaving them.
