Green Building Certifications & Awards
Green Building Certification Programs for New & Existing Buildings
U.S. Green Building Council’s Green School Buildings — General Information on Green Schools
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) developed the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Program to provide third-party verification of achievements in sustainable design and construction.
LEED for Schools – Rating System for New Facilities
A comprehensive green building program including guidelines, a rating system and third-party certification that recognizes achievements in the construction of new school facilities. Depending on points earned, the new facility can achieve one of four ratings (Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum). Based on the core LEED Rating System for New Construction, LEED for Schools addresses unique characteristics of K-12 and higher education buildings.
LEED for Existing Buildings – Rating System for Existing Facilities
A version of the LEED Rating System that enables existing buildings, whether or not previously certified under LEED, to be recognized for high performance in operations and maintenance. Includes the same categories as LEED for Schools, but addresses these issues from the perspective of an existing building.
EarthCraft Light Commercial – Regional Green Building Certification Program
This is an affordable third-party green building certification program for small –scale commercial buildings. The program is currently in pilot phase. It provides a prescriptive pathway to achieving certification for newly constructed building projects or major renovations that are less than 15,000 square feet. Smaller schools may be eligible to participate in the program.
Green Globes – Guidelines for New & Existing Schools
A user-driven, questionnaire-based process that helps assess the performance of a school building in a variety of areas. Answers are associated with point levels; the total point level indicates the performance of the building.
Recognition & Awards Opportunities for Schools
The ENERGY STAR Label – Recognition for Existing Facilities
View a list of schools in your region or state that have earned the ENERGY STAR label. A school that has earned an ENERGY STAR label is at least 25% more energy efficient than a conventional school of similar characteristics. To obtain this level:
1. Use ENERGY STAR’s free Portfolio Manager Software to benchmark energy usage
2. Enter at least 12 months of utility data
3. Achieve a minimum rating of 75 rating or better
4. Hire a Professional Engineer (PE) for verification requirements
5. Apply to receive an ENERGY STAR plaque.
EPA’s IAQ Tools for Schools (IAQ TfS) – Resources & Awards Program
The program serves as an incentive for schools to follow an indoor air quality management protocol and is designed to recognize schools for their achievements in this area. Schools can apply for a variety of awards and receive recognition for starting a program or for showing exemplary improvement in IAQ management.
Georgia Green & Healthy Schools (GGHS) – Resources & Recognition for K-12 Schools
The Georgia Green & Healthy Schools (GGHS) program begins with a pledge and offers three advanced levels. Throughout the program, students and teachers conduct school-based investigations based on the GGHS assessment area they would like to study. The program offers free resources and recognition for participants.
Green Cup Challenge – Contest & Recognition for Energy Efficiency Measures
A student-driven challenge, inviting all schools to measure and reduce electricity use and greenhouse-gas emissions. The Green Schools Alliance (GSA) program also supports greening resource efficiency efforts, such as recycling and water conservation.
