Going Green in BEX IV

The needs for BEX IV are considerable and complex.   But we have to hope that, moving forward, the district does give a thought and an ear to more green building and sustainable buildings.  If we are spending so much on buildings, there should be thought to how to build more cheaply and create buildings that will have lower operating costs.

This is going on in districts in our surrounding areas.  One example is in Marysville where after a bond got approved in May 2007, they built their high school bigger (almost 100,000 square feet more) and yet experienced only a slight uptick in energy costs because of their building practices.  They are using a geothermal heating/cooling system that is expected to save almost $60k per year versus the conventional boiler/chiller system.  SPS is also installing some of these geothermal heating/cooling systems.

Also, Marysville used stained concrete floors (very much a new and popular idea in home and commercial use).  These floors are cheaper, both in installation and upkeep costs, and look nice.  Additionally, they avoid the issues around using carpet (odor, staining, dust, etc.)

Even some private schools are going green in their buildings.  Up on Capital Hill, Bertschi School opened a new sustainable science wing.

Consider letting the Board know that green practices in building projects for BEX IV matter to you.

Now will it take time to save money with green building?  Sure it will but part of the reason to do it is because it creates a culture of thinking of how to be more energy efficient in every project from now until the last drop of oil is gone.  And, it can be a good teaching tool to have a "green" roof or use solar panels to generate energy from the roof.  (As someone who grew up in Arizona, I am always surprised when I go to visit to NOT see solar panels on every single public building.)

Here's info on Washington state law and buildings receiving state capital funds.

Also, from SPS Communications:

Thirty-Seven Seattle Public Schools receive "Green Team" funding for Conservation

Seattle Public Schools’ students, staff, communities, and facility operations personnel have been working hard to reduce utility use, increase recycling and model environmental stewardship.  Despite the cooler winter in 2010-11, District-wide energy use decreased when compared with 2009-10. Water use and solid waste also decreased, while recycling rates increased. 

Just in time for Earth Day, a portion of the savings from these reductions is being shared directly with schools through the SPS Utility Conservation Programs.

A total of $26,000 will now be shared with the 37 schools that applied for Green Team funding in March 2012.  The Green Team program supports schools that encourage a culture of conservation and environmentally responsible behaviors.


Schools that applied for and received Green Team Funding include:


High Schools:
Chief Sealth International School, Franklin, Garfield, Nova, Roosevelt, and The Center School


Middle/K-8 Schools:
Aki Kurose, Denny, Catharine Blaine, Jane Addams, TOPS, Seattle World School (6-12


Elementary:
Arbor Heights, Bailey Gatzert, Bryant, Frantz H. Coe, Graham Hill, Greenwood, John Hay, John Rogers, John Stanford International School, Lafayette, Laurelhurst, Leschi, Lowell APP at Lincoln, Lowell Elementary, Maple, McDonald, Montlake, Roxhill, Sand Point, Schmitz Park, Stevens, Van Asselt, View Ridge, Viewlands

In celebration of Earth Month, we are now accepting nominations for the Conservation Champion Award.  Twenty nominees will be chosen to receive $500 each for their school.  Nominating a Conservation Champion is quick and easy!  Visit our website for more information and be sure to submit nominations no later than May 18, 2012.For more information visit http://bit.ly/sps-conservation or contact Nicole Laky at 206-252-0599 / nalaky@seattleschools.org.

For more info on being a green school, check out the Washington Green Schools website.   Their five categories include energy efficiency, recycling and waste reduction, toxics reduction and indoor air quality, transportation and outdoor air quality and water quality and conservation.