Given that 1/5 of California's population spends their day inside a school (nearly 6.2 million children, teachers and administrators), Global Green calls upon politicians, school officials, builders and the public to help facilitate the implementation of Green School building standards immediately.
Global Green's report (available at www.globalgreen.org) outlines numerous advantages from building green schools including:
• Improved learning - Students progressed 20 percent-26 percent faster in classrooms with most daylight
• Increased Attendance - Better indoor air quality leads to fewer absences from illness.
• Lower Operating Costs - Districts can save 20 percent-40 percent on utility costs for new schools
• Reduced Energy Dependence - With on-site solar power, schools can further reduce their electricity costs and reduce dependence on the energy grid.
In addition to passing this landmark legislation, Global Green USA urges the Governor, California lawmakers and municipal utilities — such as Los Angeles DWP — to support incentives for schools to install solar and other renewable energy. Given the thousands of school rooftops, the energy generated could help significantly reduce peak demand.
In California, AB315 has passed all assembly committees, and 1 of 2 senate committees and awaits approval by the Senate Appropriations Committee set for hearing on August 15.
