In an effort to boost educational opportunities and student achievement, as well as to combat the fight against global warming, last Thursday the House passed a $6.4 billion school modernization bill that would build more green energy efficient schools.

This bill would also provide funds for school districts along the Gulf Coast that were damaged by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The ultimate goal of the bill is to have 100% of the funds go towards green projects by 2015.

Why go green now?

The American Society of Civil Engineers gave schools across the country a “D,” proving that there is no better time than now to commit to building safer and greener schools.  Rachel Gutter, of the U.S. Green Building Council, says that an eco-friendly school can save as much as $100,000 a year on operating expenses.

How does a green school save this much energy?

• Improves air and water quality
• Conserves energy and natural resources
• Reduces operating costs
• Improves employee productivity

The main problem standing in the way of building greener schools is that most people think that they are too expensive to build. But if you think about it, you save more on a green school over the course of its lifetime than you do with an ordinary school. Energy costs are lower, recycling programs reduce waste and students become more aware about protecting the environment.

Sounds like a win-win situation to us!

Now that the bill has passed, let’s hope that we see these green renovations started soon. The sooner we start, the greener our nation will be.

Source: CNNPolitics.com