Eco-friendly schools implement environmentally conscious facilities and programs, ranging from waste reduction to alternative energy sources. They may use sustainable materials, promote conservation, and offer eco lessons in their curricula. Transportation is also relevant, with some schools encouraging walking or cycling to school and using less polluting energy sources for buses.
Eco-friendly schools take steps to provide environmentally conscious facilities and programs. The term applies to colleges and universities, as well as elementary schools and other educational institutions. Some green schools have taken steps to green individual classrooms, and others have focused on entire buildings and campuses. Many schools receive certification from a government agency or other environmental group that classifies them as eco-friendly.
The methodology for green schools ranges from simple waste reduction techniques to more complex methods. Some of the basic measures schools take to become more environmentally conscious include recycling throughout the school, using air dryers instead of paper towels in bathrooms, and composting discarded food from school lunches. Sometimes schools also use alternative energy sources.
Many environmentally friendly schools undergo an energy use exam. By inspecting how much electricity they consume, schools can often identify ways to save energy. If items such as heaters or air conditioners are inefficient, for example, the school can replace them with appliances that use less energy.
Conservation is a major focus of eco-friendly schools. They often use energy saving light bulbs and may utilize sunlight as their primary light source during the day. Some schools even employ waterless toilets. Using high-efficiency windows is another common step that can help trap cool air in the summer and heat in the winter. Schools can install toilets that also use less water.
Eco-friendly schools can renovate existing buildings or classrooms to include greener aspects. Schools can also employ locally produced sustainable materials when constructing new buildings or rooms, because using local materials can reduce pollution caused by long-distance transport. The use of recycled wood and metals is also useful in reducing waste.
Some green schools choose to provide students with supplies that are better for the environment. The use of recycled paper is common and some schools try to reduce paper usage by providing additional computers. Schools with young students can advocate using recycled pencils, biodegradable pens, organic crayons and other eco-friendly supplies.
Transport is also relevant for green schools. Primary schools can encourage children to walk or cycle to school if they live nearby. A school can replace traditional school buses with versions that use biodiesel or other less polluting energy sources. Green colleges sometimes restrict the use of motor vehicles on campus to reduce pollution emitted by automobiles and motorcycles. Colleges and universities can also expand their public transportation systems to lessen the pollution caused by individual vehicles.
In addition to reducing pollution and conservation efforts, schools can promote environmental initiatives. Some schools are considered environmentally conscious because they include eco lessons in their curricula. Ecological colleges may also offer degrees in environmental science or other related fields.
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