Matheson, Colleagues Launch Green Schools Caucus

Washington D.C.—Congressman Jim Matheson today joined the Capitol Hill kickoff of the Green Schools Caucus, drawing attention to the environmental, educational and health advantages of “green” schools.  Matheson co-chairs the caucus with Representatives Darlene Hooley of Oregon and Michael McCaul of Texas.

Matheson helped introduce the founding chairman of the U.S. Green Building Council—Richard Fedrizzi—along with a group of Maryland elementary school children who attend a school that meets a national accreditation standard for energy efficiency in its design, construction and operation.

“Energy-efficient schools cost less to operate. In Utah, where our resources are stretched so thin, that cost savings would be a boon to the educational bottom line in our local school districts,” said Matheson.

Matheson noted that “green” schools—on average—save $100,000 per year.  That’s enough to hire two new teachers, buy 500 new computers or purchase 5000 new textbooks.  With the cost on average less than $3 per square foot more to build, construction costs for a “green” school can be recouped in the first year of operation, based on energy savings along.

The U.S. Green Building Council, which has established the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, says that a LEED-certified school:
*       Uses 30-50% less energy than conventional schools
*       Reduces harmful carbon dioxide emissions by 40%, which helps reduce global climate change
*       Uses 30% less water
*       Has better lighting and temperature controls, which promotes higher student achievement;
*       Has a more comfortable indoor environment, improved ventilation and indoor air quality

“With all the new schools on the drawing board in Utah, it makes a lot of sense to “go green”—for students, teachers, parents and taxpayers,” said Matheson.

 

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