The Amelia Island Montessori School (AIMS) in Fernandina Beach, Florida is currently in the process of fund raising to build a new school to be open in the Amelia Park subdivision, on Amelia Island, for the 2009 school year. We, the parents, are extremely excited and are looking forward to this new school for our children. In the process of the talks for the school we have decided that we would like to have a "GREEN" school and are in the process of negotiating with the architect for the new designs and to see if he is willing, and able, to accommodate this process in the design and building of the new school. This will enable us to submit this information to the USGBC (United States Green Building Council) for our LEED (Leadership in Energy and Design) designation.

     The USGBC has established the LEED Green Building Rating System™ which includes the LEED FOR SCHOOLS. This addresses issues such as classroom acoustics, master planning, mold prevention and environmental site assessment. By addressing the uniqueness of school spaces and children’s health issues, LEED for Schools provides a  comprehensive tool for schools that wish to build green, with measurable results. LEED for Schools is the recognized third-party standard for high-performance schools that are healthy for students, comfortable for teachers, and cost-effective.

     There are four levels to the LEED certification based on points given for:

     1. Sustainable Sites

     2. Water Efficiency

     3. Energy and Atmosphere

     4. Materials and Resources

     5. Indoor Environmental Quality

     6. Innovation and Design Process

     These levels are as follows:

     Certified 29–36 points
     Silver 37–43 points
     Gold 44–57 points
     Platinum 58–79 points

    

     Green schools are healthy for students, teachers and the environment. Built right, green schools are productive learning environments with ample natural light, high-quality acoustics and air that is safe to breathe.  Schools everywhere are going green, nurturing children while saving money. Get the facts and learn how you can make the case to build green schools.  Visit USGBC's newly launched schools Web site - www.buildgreenschools.org to learn more about what you can do to help promote green schools in your community.

     Obtaining the Certified level is indeed an achievement for any school but we will strive to obtain a higher level just to be as "GREEN" as we can be. This certification does come at a price; certification costs, building materials and design, etc..., however we, the parents, have decided that for a sustainable building and a quality learning environment, the needs of our children and the future far outweigh some of the costs associated with this designation.

     I hope that all of you will check out this information at the USGBC website - www.usgbc.org or on the link provided above.  

 

Reference

U.S. Green Building Council (2007) LEED for Schools. Retrieved December 19, 2007 from

http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1586