tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81921907330059979402024-02-19T09:06:03.805-08:00PB Green SchoolsMembers of the Palm Beach Chapter of the USGBC Green Schools Committee assisting Palm Beach County Public and Private schools in their efforts to go "Green".Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8192190733005997940.post-7914865810936974352012-11-01T15:23:00.001-07:002012-11-01T15:23:41.211-07:00November 2012 Next Green Schools Committee Meeting<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Please join the next Green Schools Committee Meeting
will be held immediately prior to the Monthly Meeting 15 Nov 12 at 5:30 PM.<o:p></o:p></span></h4>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339900; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">“The collaborative approach, A guide to
building a LEED Platinum project” Palm Beach State College's Technical
Education Center (LEED Platinum) -- A Program Presented by the Palm Beach
Branch of the USGBC South Florida Chapter<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">15 Nov 2012<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Green Schools Committee 5:30</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Regular Meeting 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Location <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Palm Beach State College at Lake Worth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4200 Congress Avenue<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Room SCA 113<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">James L. Wattenbarger Conference Center<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lake Worth, FL 33461<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Palm Beach State
College's Technical Education Center (LEED Platinum) -- November 15th Program
and Tour with guest speakers: John Banting & James Storms</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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South Florida Chapter has an enviable track record of hosting outstanding
educational programs and tours, and this month's program is certainly no
exception! </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Save the evening of November 15 to
learn about and tour Palm Beach State College's Technical Education Center, a
LEED Platinum Certified project. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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and PBSC for their magnanimous sponsorship of this educational program. <strong>John
Banting</strong>, LEED AP BD+C and Hedrick Brothers Sustainable Construction Manager,
will be the speaker for the special evening.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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green-building education program, the evening will feature:</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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edibles</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
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networking opportunities</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
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outstanding venue</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
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camaraderie and fun</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">For directions, </span><a href="http://usgbcsf.org/Resources/Documents/PBSC%20Program%20101412.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0781c7;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">click here</span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">.</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our Branch programs are </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">FREE to USGBC members</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, and non-members
are charged a nominal $10 admission fee to help cover meeting costs. </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://usgbcsf.org/memberapp"><span style="color: #0781c7;">To
join the USGBC South Florida Chapter, click here</span></a></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> or you can join prior to the program. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Please come out and join in … and
bring a friend! The more you get involved with the Branch's activities, the
greater the wealth of contacts, resources and information that are available to
you, including </span><a href="http://usgbcsf.org/workshops"><span style="color: #0781c7;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">workshops</span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">
and </span><a href="http://usgbcsf.org/online"><span style="color: #0781c7;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">webinars</span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">
tied to securing </span><a href="http://usgbcsf.org/leed"><span style="color: #0781c7;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">LEED</span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">
accreditation.</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11728366372099698244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8192190733005997940.post-72864513360905457742012-04-28T07:40:00.001-07:002012-04-28T07:43:05.073-07:00Three Florida Schools Designated U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools!<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">CONGRATULATIONS!</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Three Florida Schools Honored </span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">with </span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Green Ribbon Designation by the U.S. Department of Education!</span></strong></div>
<ul>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Pine Jog Elementary School</strong>West Palm Beach, Florida</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Learning Gate Community School<br />Lutz, Florida</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">TERRA Environmental Research Institute<br />Miami, Florida</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/obama-administration-names-78-schools-29-states-and-dc-first-ever-us-department-" target="_blank">Click HERE to read the full announcement on the U.S. Department of Education Website:</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8192190733005997940.post-8484067135600061542012-04-28T07:23:00.002-07:002012-04-28T07:23:50.516-07:00USGBC Center For Green Schools Green Apple Day Of Service<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUxX_5s91VQLreQ8ZvLKYQjevv-9gkFEouLYkZcIvb4067rZq0TAfwdRvV3raFbhfKbRCIgyM3_eEvkEFF3p_vgMSnAjUNyHpmUAuEaecgcgHoxLaCJPFDNhpiaRfd9oUamNmk1SDdYdz/s1600/Green+Apple+Day+of+Service.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUxX_5s91VQLreQ8ZvLKYQjevv-9gkFEouLYkZcIvb4067rZq0TAfwdRvV3raFbhfKbRCIgyM3_eEvkEFF3p_vgMSnAjUNyHpmUAuEaecgcgHoxLaCJPFDNhpiaRfd9oUamNmk1SDdYdz/s320/Green+Apple+Day+of+Service.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The U.S. Green Building Council Center for Green Schools announced the first Green Apple Day of Service, a global call to take real action in support of healthy, sustainable schools. The Green Apple Day of service will take place on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012. To participate, log onto the Green Schools page : </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"></span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><a href="http://mygreenapple.org/greenservice.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For more information about the Green Apple Day Of Service- click HERE</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For FAQ's and to learn how you can participate:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><a href="http://mygreenapple.org/Libraries/Green_Apple/About_Green_Apple_Day_of_Service.sflb.ashx" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">How can I participate and what is the day of service about? Click HERE for an FAQ page about the event:</span></a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8192190733005997940.post-50729105592670519062012-04-28T07:11:00.001-07:002012-04-28T07:26:18.975-07:00Mark Your Calendars! Learn Green 2012 October 19th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqoMMw-qZsmgft6Xdsl_61u47WfrhX9Whpttsqogq6V8K5ALHIHUBn-1RCGrAjzDHQKPx5zJnnz947KPQO6c4-gyXwtSJvqLkneEljrjrTkdYc2WSp8Ns2tiuvBEo4d3vtuEJoLWDpyGf/s1600/Learn+Green+2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqoMMw-qZsmgft6Xdsl_61u47WfrhX9Whpttsqogq6V8K5ALHIHUBn-1RCGrAjzDHQKPx5zJnnz947KPQO6c4-gyXwtSJvqLkneEljrjrTkdYc2WSp8Ns2tiuvBEo4d3vtuEJoLWDpyGf/s320/Learn+Green+2012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Join the USGBC South Florida Chapter Green Schools Committee and other teachers, administrators, school district staff, parent, student and community members interested in learning about how to make schools greener at this statewide conference!</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8192190733005997940.post-31016336985793828212012-02-14T07:45:00.000-08:002012-02-14T07:45:41.583-08:00GREEN CLASSROOM PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE PROGRAM<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You’ve been asking about it…it’s HERE! </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The USGBC Center for Green Schools </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">GREEN CLASSROOM PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE PROGRAM </span></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">How many of us realize how strongly the physical learning space effects student health and performance? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The USGBC Center For Green Schools has been able to verify how much a classroom environment can effect students. The USGBC is launching a new program specifically to teach educators about how to make their schools more sustainable and healthy places in which to learn, work and teach.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 1.5pt 0in 7.5pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The </span><a href="http://centerforgreenschools.org/main-nav/k-12/curriculum/Greenclassroom.aspx" target="new"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Green Classroom Professional Certificate program</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, created for parents, teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals and operations and maintenance professionals, will provide the tools they can use to make classrooms healthier and sustainable and impacting the next generation of students.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 1.5pt 0in 7.5pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">According to information on the USGBC Center for Green Schools, the certificate program will encourage teachers to:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 12.75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gain knowledge in green building practices, particularly for their classrooms and schools</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 12.75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Use knowledge to make classroom/learning spaces healthier and sustainable learning environments</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 12.75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Help foster an attitude among youth and future generations to appreciate and model green building and sustainable practices</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 12.75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Support green building and sustainability practices through energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">emissions reduction and improved indoor air quality</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 12.75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Support health among school occupants and decrease student absenteeism due to environmental factors</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 1.5pt 0in 7.5pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 1.5pt 0in 7.5pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">According to feedback provided by teachers from around the country who have already reviewed the program; </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 1.5pt 0in 7.5pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">a) The program addresses many learning styles </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 1.5pt 0in 7.5pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">b) The program is applicable to teachers who are involved with different subjects related to the environment or sustainability.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 1.5pt 0in 7.5pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">c) The certificate program is flexible and allows teachers and others to complete 12 virtual modules and an online assessment wherever they have a computer and an internet connection.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 1.5pt 0in 7.5pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Teachers want to educate in a space where the health and well-being of our future leaders and their own health is paramount will want to participate in this program. Through this program teachers have an opportunity to learn new ways to make classrooms healthier learning spaces for students and other classroom occupants.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 1.5pt 0in 7.5pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>March 2012</strong> is the scheduled date for the launch of the program, so make sure you check back for more information about how you can enroll! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For more information, visit: </span><a href="http://centerforgreenschools.org/main-nav/k-12/curriculum/Greenclassroom.aspx" target="new"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">centerforgreenschools.org/greenclassroom</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For more information and to ENROLL click on the following links:</span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://centerforgreenschools.org/utility-nav/blog/12-02-07/Green_Classroom_Professional_Certificate_Program.aspx"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Arial;">http://centerforgreenschools.org/utility-nav/blog/12-02-07/Green_Classroom_Professional_Certificate_Program.aspx</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://centerforgreenschools.org/main-nav/k-12/curriculum/Greenclassroom.aspx"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Arial;">http://centerforgreenschools.org/main-nav/k-12/curriculum/Greenclassroom.aspx</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8192190733005997940.post-41042644678270226482012-02-13T08:27:00.000-08:002012-02-13T08:27:31.559-08:00Upcoming Green Schools Events and Opportunities<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">National Green Schools Conference</span></span></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><u><span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Second Annual <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #006600;">National Green Schools Conference</span></b> will take place in Denver Colorado from February 27<sup>th</sup> through February 29<sup>th</sup> 2012.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The USGBC will be exhibiting there with information about the Center For Green Schools and they will have lots of information about Day of Service, the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Green Classroom Professional Certificate</b>, and more. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you are interested in attending you will need to make your reservations fairly quickly:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.greenschoolsnationalconference.org/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://www.greenschoolsnationalconference.org</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We will report any information we can garner from the conference on this blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">International Green Schools Day of Service – September 29, 2012</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">New resources and information to support efforts for green schools projects on International Day of Service are available at the Center For Green Schools website at: </span><a href="http://www.centerforgreenschools.org/greenservice"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">www.centerforgreenschools.org/greenservice</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> for more information, and make a commitment to host an activity in your community on September 29!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 3.75pt 0in; mso-outline-level: 5; text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="color: #6f9d32; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Green Your School Challenge </span></span></span></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 3.75pt 0in; mso-outline-level: 5; text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="color: #6f9d32; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Presented by DoSomething.org and HP</span></span></span></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 3.75pt 0in 3.75pt 0.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">HP and DoSomething.org know you have what it takes to protect the environment and fight climate change. This year over 200,000 teens took action and ran eco-friendly projects at school through the Green Your School Challenge. Thanks to them, the world is a greener place. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><a href="http://www.dosomething.org/green-your-school"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://www.dosomething.org/green-your-school</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8192190733005997940.post-85820434729435428172012-01-20T06:18:00.000-08:002012-01-21T09:13:05.881-08:00The ABC’s of LEED and why Galaxy Elementary is aiming for LEED Platinum<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Parents want to know: why is building a school as a LEED school so expensive?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Initial construction costs may be high, but with a careful budget and post construction energy performance studies, it has been proven conclusively that building to LEED standards saves a great deal of money for the School District of Palm Beach over time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">An excellent case in point is that Pirtle Construction, which has been contracted for the LEED Platinum Galaxy Elementary project, looks to have brought the base bid and alternates for the project in under budget thus far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the building is occupied there will be studies of the energy consumed (energy performance studies) over the years to show the cost savings. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">An important fact to note is that </span><span style="color: #221e1f;"><span class="A2"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">$2.3 million of the dollars necessary for the construction of Galaxy Elementary will be secured through grants and donations</span></span><span class="A2"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; font-size: 9pt;">, <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">not through taxpayer dollars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Even though the school board for the district of Palm Beach has made it mandatory for the district to build all new construction to LEED standards, many people still do not know the meaning of the acronym LEED.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council in 2000, LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and the LEED rating systems are developed by an open consensus based process, and it stands for a set of international standardized building construction benchmarks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">According to the USGBC; </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“<span style="color: #333333;">LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building, home or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at achieving high performance in key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">LEED is a rating system with six components: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials and resources selection, indoor environmental quality, and innovation in design.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The levels of LEED certification are certified, silver, gold, and <span style="color: blue;">platinum</span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buildings are certified with the LEED ratings, not people, and the certification process is done by a third party organization known as the GBCI, or Green Building Certification Institute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These standards were created to encourage building owners to construct, renovate and operate facilities in an environmentally sensitive manner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In order to achieve a LEED Platinum rating, the building process entails achieving the highest number of points in the six component rating system.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b><span style="color: #339966;"><br />
</span></b>Along with governmental incentives, there are distinct advantages afforded by high performance (LEED) construction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Building “green” makes sense, especially with high energy costs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here are some surprising statistics:</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Buildings account for as much as 60 percent of all electricity consumed in the United States. </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"> </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On a school campus, school buildings account for a large portion of the operating budget. </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Many school districts are now making it a requirement for all new buildings constructed within the school districts to meet LEED standards.</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Commercial buildings also generate nearly 40 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions.</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Did you know that LEED projects award points for taking action to make sure the construction project takes into account a wide variety of environmentally friendly actions by the construction company during the duration of the project?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every environmentally friendly action is considered, from demolition of the previous building, to the construction site waste and how it is handled, and materials re-use. </span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Galaxy state of the art campus is the eighth “green” school for the district.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Green schools </span><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">provide the community with </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">sustainable and healthy learning environments for administrators, educators, and their students, </span><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">enhanced teaching tools, and provide connections with the surrounding businesses and cultural resources.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Research has proven </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">the occupants of LEED certified buildings experience a higher satisfaction level, better health, and improved personal productivity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a matter of fact, research has been conducted to show that among occupants and attendees at green schools, more than 70 percent reported that these new facilities reduced student absenteeism and improved student performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An added bonus in regard to Galaxy is that </span><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">according to community leaders, the new Galaxy Elementary School is considered an important part of the economic revitalization of Boynton Beach.</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span lang="EN"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The argument can be made that with the shortfall in district budgets it can be perceived as extravagant to build a school to LEED Platinum standards due to the initial cost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully the costs of building to LEED standards have flattened out, especially since one of the requirements of certification in the process requires that everyone involved with the project submit a precisely specified budget for the building to be built.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most importantly, a building constructed to LEED standards will quickly recoup the investment with a facility that’s less costly to operate each year, and the investment will yield returns for the life of the building.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
So the next time you hear someone talking about LEED schools and why they are important, hopefully you will understand more of the details about the LEED rating system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most importantly you will know why building to LEED standards saves money, provides both educators and students with a healthier learning environment, and is so important to our future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8192190733005997940.post-12097774536781720152011-11-21T07:57:00.000-08:002011-11-21T16:45:06.841-08:00New Green Schools Program and Certification Announced at Learn Green<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On November 11<sup>th</sup> the Learn Green Schools Conference and Expo and Lessons Learned Workshop took place at the Dreyfoos School of The Arts, and this year the event included people from all over the state of Florida.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well over 900 people attended the event!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In attendance were 90 presenters, 88 exhibitors in addition to administrators, teachers, vendors, architects, engineers and others within the construction industry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Presenting Sponsor for the event was the Solid Waste Authority, and food was provided by the Whole Foods Market of Wellington.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Susan Toth, the Director of Education for the Pine Jog Environmental Education Center and Joseph Sanches, the Chief of the Division of Support Operations for the School District of Palm Beach County also spoke at the opening ceremonies and did a wonderful job of coordinating the entire event along with a host of volunteers. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One of the highlights of the day was the keynote speech presented by Rachel Gutter, the Director of the Center for Green Schools at the USGBC (US Green Building Council), who delivered a motivational and inspirational speech with the goal of putting every student into a green school within our generation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rachel would like to see a “<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Blueprint to a billion”, and she feels we need a "nuclear" reaction in order to green every school in this generation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rachel feels there is something in the green schools movement that will appeal to everyone, and she feels green schools are directly related to the, “Triple Bottom Line”; People, Planet and Prosperity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Green schools save people, save the planet and help make us prosper in a variety of different ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Rachel announced some exciting developments regarding green schools initiatives in 2012:</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The U.S. Department of Education will initiate the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Green Ribbon Schools Program</u></b></span>, a contest that will recognize schools that save energy, reduce costs, and feature environmentally sustainable learning spaces, as well as protect health, foster wellness, and impact effective environmental education. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Green Ribbon award will acknowledge high levels of achievement in three areas: 1) environmental impact and energy efficiency; 2) healthy environment; and 3) environmental literacy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Florida has officially signed on as a state education system to be a part of this program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> **For a direct link to find more information please see the "Links" tab.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 12pt; mso-line-height-alt: 7.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There will be a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Green Classroom Professional Certification Program</u>, </b>made available by the USGBC in conjunction with the GBCI (Green Building Construction Institute) in 2012.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In accordance with each mission statements, the program encourages sustainable practices in classrooms.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 12pt; mso-line-height-alt: 7.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Green classroom professionals advocate for healthier environments in which to work and teach. With the Green Classroom Professional Certificate, the classroom will turn into a living laboratory, creating foundational awareness of greener lifestyles, energy savings, and environmental health in students.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 12pt; mso-line-height-alt: 7.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The program is designed to provide pre-K-12 teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators with the knowledge and skills to:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 10pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Identify features that support or impede environmentally healthy and sustainable learning spaces</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 10pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Recognize, adopt, and implement practices that promote health among students and school occupants</span></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In Rachel’s speech she mentioned some fascinating statistics; </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 38.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>There are over 133,000 K-12 Schools in the United States, and over 4,300 colleges and universities.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 38.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Over 15,000 of those educational facilities have unbreathable air</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 38.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Asthma is the leading cause absenteeism in the United Sates schools, and green schools have been proven to reduce the incidence of asthma </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 38.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Millions of dollars are saved when schools are built to green /LEED standards due to energy cost savings through energy management</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 38.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Presentations made throughout the day featured informative sessions regarding all areas of school sustainability including; Community Partnerships, Curriculum Integration, Design and Construction, Innovative Programs and Practices, School Grounds Enhancement, and School Sustainability. The day was topped off by a fun filled evening tour of Citiplace. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 38.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8192190733005997940.post-66164506621324666572011-11-02T07:45:00.000-07:002011-11-02T07:45:13.111-07:00Join us at the LEARN GREEN Event Next Friday November 11th!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Pine Jog Environmental Education Center/Florida Atlantic University and the School District of Palm Beach County invite you to the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #00b050;">3rd Annual <u>Learn Green</u>: A Green Schools Conference & Expo </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">When?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">November 11, 2011 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Where? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts - 501 S. Sapodilla Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">A variety of breakout sessions will take place throughout the day including: School Grounds Enhancement, School Sustainability (Energy, Water, Waste), Youth Voices, 2011 Lessons Learned and Best Practices Workshop, School Design and Construction, Exhibit Hall with 100+ exhibitors, Walking and bus tours and much more…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">To register and for more information visit: </span></b></div><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.ourgreenschools.com/learngreenconference">www.ourgreenschools.com/learngreenconference</a></span><br />
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Click Here to view the event flyer: <br />
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<a href="http://www.ourgreenschools.com/media/2011/09/learn-green-conference-and-expo-20111.jpg">http://www.ourgreenschools.com/media/2011/09/learn-green-conference-and-expo-20111.jpg</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8192190733005997940.post-30855767930747604712011-10-25T15:30:00.001-07:002011-10-25T15:30:32.406-07:00SAGE Dining Organic Garden - Students Growing Strong<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">You may think planting an organic garden is just about eating vegetables that are grown and nurtured without the use of pesticides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here in our link section is a Vimeo link to a video about the green garden at the Pine Crest School Boca Raton Campus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lower School (Pre-K-Grade 5) Building was built a couple of years ago and has been certified LEED Gold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The architects created a green garden and cisterns in the design plan for the school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you can see their food director has taken it to a new level!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See how planting and growing an organic garden on YOUR school campus can be used as a teaching tool and integrated into your school’s curriculum!</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8192190733005997940.post-85596157508082834612011-10-25T08:19:00.001-07:002011-10-25T08:19:47.679-07:00How Can An Older School Go Green and What is LEED Anyway?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">A Comment I have heard many people make is, “How How can I help my school go "green" if it was not build according to the LEED process?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Additionally when I am discussing green school issues I'm often asked to explain the meaning of the acronym, “LEED”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LEED stands for <strong><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">L</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">eadership in </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">E</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">nergy and </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">E</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">nvironmental </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">D</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">esign, an internationally recognized green building certification System.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></strong>There are four different levels of LEED certification: LEED Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In May of 2008 the School District of Palm Beach County decided to build all new schools to the LEED Silver standard as a minimum guideline. Many people are unaware of the standard, LEED EB (OM), which stands for LEED for Existing Buildings (Operations & Maintenance).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if your school was not built according to LEED standards and is an older school, going "green" is not only possible, it's very easy to take the first steps!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As of last year the School District of Palm Beach has registered the first K-12 school in the state for LEED EB accreditation. Your school may not have been built according to LEED standards; nonetheless, you can take many steps towards helping your school go "green". Remember the first steps towards going "green" are; Reduce, Re-Use, and Recycle!</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8192190733005997940.post-13793180249674604422011-10-24T07:10:00.000-07:002011-10-24T07:13:47.820-07:00Contact Us For Palm Beach County Green Schools Information<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As volunteer members of the USGBC Green Schools Committee we are here to help! Please send us an email (see field below) and let us know how we can help your school go green. We can be a Mentor to your school and guide you by suggesting both starting steps towards going green as well as advanced methodologies, depending upon how far along your school is in the process. Whether you are in the beginning process of recycling efforts, planting a butterfly garden, or finding ways to conserve energy we can help. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8192190733005997940.post-31604803341426565562011-10-21T10:18:00.000-07:002011-10-25T06:59:55.246-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Welcome to our new blog!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is our goal to provide support to schools that are trying to go “green”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This blog has been posted by members of the USGBC (US Green Building Council) Palm Beach Green Schools Committee in an effort to assist school administrators, teachers, and students in their efforts to make schools an environmentally responsible and healthy place to work and learn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">By transforming the physical environment of a learning institution, we have the ability to impact students, teachers and communities and assist schools in saving money by saving energy and helping schools impart ecological responsibility to their students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We are here to provide free assistance to assist schools in reaching their green goals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For any schools that have not yet engaged in the process of “going green” we wanted to announce our presence publicly that we are available as volunteers to help you in your quest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can also point schools in the direction of available green school grants.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In future blog posts you will find ways to participate connect with us, announcements of green school events and you will find a wide variety of free resources at your fingertips!</span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com