August 10, 2009 | GBI Insight Home

Schools that Achieve Green Ratings Well Positioned for
Federal Support

Designed by RB+B Architects, Inc., Bethke Elementary School achieved a certified rating of Three Green Globes.

Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and pending 21st Century Green High Performing Public School Facilities Act, school districts and campuses have unprecedented opportunities to make investments that will produce long-term sustainability impacts.

To raise awareness of the opportunities and help schools position themselves to qualify for federal funding, the GBI Web site now includes a variety of materials aimed at K-12 and higher education schools. This includes a webseminar featuring information on legislation and available funding as well as green building practices as they relate to schools, and a case study of one school that underwent the Green Globes certification process, Bethke Elementary, which achieved a rating of Three Green Globes.

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, schools built or remodeled with a recognized green building rating system such as Green Globes may qualify for a federal grant.  Schools that invest in a Green Globes rating also position themselves to save money on utility bills, improve indoor air quality and lessen their overall environmental footprint.

The federal government has recognized Green Globes’ value to the green building marketplace and has been crucial in helping to build support for the tool in the U.S.  Green Globes is mentioned by name in the U.S. Department of Education's white paper, Guidance Impact Aid Section 8007 School Construction Funds Made Available Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Likewise, the 21st Century Green High Performing Public School Facilities Act—which has been approved in the House but not the Senate—proposes grants for public school modernization, renovation, repairs or construction that is certified, verified or consistent with any applicable provisions of Green Globes.

For more information, click here to review the education-related materials on the GBI Web site.