I often write about projects that have received the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) program for the Mother Nature Network. The program certifies green buildings and has a separate checklist for schools. One of the items on the checklist deals with the site chosen to build a new school.
The State of Texas isn’t going as far as requiring schools to reach for this lofty certification level, but they are considering regulating new school sites through the state’s Commission on Environmental Quality.
Here is an excerpt from Matthew Tresaugue’s article in the Houston Chronicle
“The bill — sponsored by state Rep. Donna Howard and Sen. Kirk Watson, both Austin Democrats — stops short of prohibiting school districts from building in certain spots. But it would force districts to notify the public before buying property for a new school if an initial environmental assessment raises any red flags.”
Photo by striatic
