Members of Congress Weigh In On Green Schools

Earlier this week, Representatives Jim Matheson (UT-2) and Ben Chandler (KY-6), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Green Schools Caucus, shared a letter with their colleagues in support of green schools. Representative Matheson noted, “As we debate the budget and seek fiscal reform at the local, state, and federal levels, we want to highlight one area where taxpayers are seeing a significant return on their investment: green building, particularly green schools.”

Read the full letter below.

Learn more about the Congressional Green Schools Caucus »

Visit the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council »

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Green Schools Save Money and Help Kids
From: The Honorable Jim Matheson

“Green schools are about saving money and doing better with the money you have.

It's about finally starting to think about things in terms of ROI [return on investment]. ... Schools could save 25 percent off the bat with some basic efficiency measures, occupant education, and engagement programs. I've seen it happen.”

- Rachel Gutter, Director of the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council

Dear Colleague:

As we debate the budget and seek fiscal reform at the local, state, and federal levels, we want to highlight one area where taxpayers are seeing a significant return on their investment: green building, particularly green schools.

Because it uses substantially less energy and water, the average green school saves $100,000 per year – enough to pay two teachers, purchase 200 computers or buy 5,000 new text books. And going green doesn’t have to cost more up front. Studies have demonstrated that green schools can be designed and built at or below regional K-12 construction costs and operated within existing facilities budgets.

But decreasing operational costs isn’t the only benefit to green schools. Green schools also have a lasting impact on student health, academic performance, and teacher retention - daylight boosts concentra¬tion; comfortable temperatures increase focus; good acoustics enable communication; and air that is fresh and clean improves health.

We encourage you to learn more about the cost savings and other benefits associated with green schools by visiting www.centerforgreenschools.org. If you are interested in joining the bipartisan Green Schools Caucus please contact Jan Beukelman in Rep. Matheson's office or Bethany Williams in Rep. Chandler's office.

Sincerely,

Jim Matheson
Co-Chair, Congressional Green Schools Caucus

Ben Chandler
Co-Chair, Congressional Green Schools Caucus