Green school tools 

Benefits of Green Schools*

• A healthy, productive learning environment
• Improved teacher retention
• Financial savings
• Hands-on learning
• Environmentally friendly

*from www.BuildGreenSchools.org

Green school programs - buildings

ENERGY STAR for K-12 School Districts a federal program identifying ways and providing assistance for your school to save money on its energy bills.

US Green Building Council Build Green Schools  USGBC's LEED independent third-party national rating program for Schools focuses on issues specific to design and construction of school buildings and children's health.  The LEED program incudes a comprehensive score card using a points system and project recognition.

ODOE Energy Services for Schools  the State's Energy Division provides free technical services, energy audits and indoor air quality testing for new and existing school construction.

Environmental Protection Agency's Indoor Air Quality Design Tools for Schools provides both detailed guidance as well as links to other resources to help design new schools and maintain existing facilities.  Though its primary focus is on indoor air quality, it is also intended to encourage school districts to embrace the concept of designing High Performance Schools, an integrated, "whole building" approach.

The Center for School Mold Help a non-profit volunteer organization for teachers and parents that contains articles and tools for mold education and prevention.

Green school programs - curriculum

Oregon Green Schools is a nonprofit organization active throughout the state. Their regional coordinators help schools conduct waste audits, provide guidance and training for new programs and recommend curriculum resources and grant opportunities.

Sustainable Oregon Schools Initiative is a state-wide program helping K-12 schools incorporate sustainablity into their operations and classrooms.

Local school green building case studies

Beaverton High School Cafeteria this green cafeteria was completed in 2004, achieving the US Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED Certified rating level.

Clackamas High School this new high performance high school constructed in 2002 received the USGBC LEED New Construction (NC) Silver building certification.

Da Vinci Arts Middle School High Performance Classroom when complete this music classroom will be the first LEED NC Platinum-rated public school in the nation.

Holy Redeemer Catholic School Science and Media Building Addition completed in 2005 - LEED NC - Certified.

Rosa Parks Elementary School  a new 2007 Portland Public Schools elementary school built to LEED NC Gold standards.

Grants and project funding

Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) Solar 4 R Schools  The S4RS program educates students and teachers in the Pacific NW region on the functions and benefits of solar electric power.  In addition to producing clean, renewable energy, each school's solar power system includes a curriculum package that uses the web-based, real-time data generated by each installation to provide students with a comprehensive, interactive learning experience.

City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) Ecoroof Grant

The City of Portland offers grants (up to $5/sq. ft. of ecoroof) as incentives to property owners, institutions and developers to add more ecoroofs in Portland.

BES 1% for Green Fund this program is available to pay for green street facilities in Portland.  Groups can use grant money for design, construction and materials.

BES Community Watershed Stewardship Grant provides up to $10,000 to schools, churches, businesses and other community organizations for projects that protect and enhance watershed health at the local level in Portland. Groups can use grant money for supplies, materials, equipment, room rentals, feasibility studies or technical assistance.

BES Clean River Rewards through Portland's stormwater utility discount program ratepayers who manage stormwater on their propoerty can save money and work for clean rivers and healthy watersheds at the same time.

City of Portland Green Investment Fund (GIF) an annual competitive grant for green projects pushing the envelope with new green technologies in Portland.  RFP's are due Feb 2, 2009.

Energy Trust of Oregon cash incentives up-front cash incentives for energy efficiency upgrades for your existing or new construction school project in the state of OR.  Technical assistance and plan review is also available at no charge.

Metro Nature in Neighborhoods Grants capital, restoration and enhancement monies are available for new and existing building projects incorporating nature into their design.  These grants cover the Metro region.

OR Department of Energy (ODOE) Sustainable Building Tax Credit new or existing buildings in the state of OR qualify for a tax credit if they meet the U.S. Green Building Council´s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (USGBC LEED) or a rating by a comparable program approved by ODOE.  Those exempt form a tax burden can qualify by utilizing a pass-through option.

ODOE Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC pass-through option) the pass-through option allowing non-profits, schools and governmental agencies to benefit from tax credits for energy efficiency measures including heating equipment, water heaters, appliances and more.

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