The Growing Green and Healthy Schools network has heard this question numerous times–Can we afford green and healthy schools? We want to open our new Blog with this important question.

There are “givens” of green in each CPS school based on the May 8th Green Schools resolution that the School Board passed in 2006 (Improved indoor air quality, types of windows/percent of windows, insulation, etc.) Knowing more about these green features can reinforce planning teams belief that CPS is committed to building greener schools. But this involves planning teams making choices between green features. Some green elements are a good fit their particular site, budget and/or curriculum. That is why they need to understand what choices are out there. No school can include all the green features available. Some green choices cost more than others. Some green choices fit better.

When we started our first schools, Pleasant Hill Elementary in College Hill, for example, their storm water management was to build a big rectangular field that has to be mowed behind the school with banked edges so that water would collect there. They also put in rip rap–large stones leading to a low point which is now a wetland. The wetlands weren’t “planned” and have not been incorporated into the landscape or school curriculum. There are no native plants introduced or no attempt made to provide the right habitat for wildlife in the wetlands, for example. Shouldn’t there at least put up martin houses to try to control the mosquitoes?

I know that we can do better in the planning phase so that water management becomes an opportunity for the school to use the grounds as a teaching tool to improve math and science achievement for all students.
Diana

Posted in affordability |

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