What are the benefits of green schools for kids? Let’s look at how energy efficiency, indoor plants, and water conservation can improve a child’s education and well-being. If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few great ideas. But don’t stop there: there’s much more to green schools than saving money. You can also spread the love of sustainability throughout your community. Children who learn about the benefits of natural light benefit from increased productivity, an improved mood, and extra heat in winter.
Energy efficiency
One of the easiest ways to make your school more environmentally conscious is to install solar panels. Solar panels can generate energy for schools without using electricity, and they save tons of money. Schools often have flat roofs, so solar panels make sense for many schools. Also, you can have students collect recyclables and tally misplaced items. Make sure to conduct a waste audit to determine how to improve the school’s energy efficiency.
One school in Oregon recently unveiled a groundbreaking net-zero elementary school. The school was designed to be the largest zero-energy elementary school in the nation and the first in the mid-Atlantic region. In fact, it achieved these goals under budget and is already feeding energy back into the local grid. A net-zero school would have 1,700 solar panels and a 125kW battery to reduce energy costs and reduce carbon emissions.
Water conservation
In the state of Florida, a rural middle school has taken steps to teach its students about water conservation. Judith Weaver, the school librarian, introduced her students to the book “A Long Walk to Water,” which chronicles the struggle of children in Sudan to reach a natural spring. The book’s message was timely, as natural springs provide much of Florida’s recreation. Students read the book and began to understand the importance of water conservation.
A school’s water efficiency can be measured through a range of guidelines. Experts can help schools find ways to improve water efficiency, while teachers can learn from other schools. These activities can also be integrated into the curriculum. Water efficiency in schools can be a powerful tool to make a real impact beyond the classroom walls. This study also highlights the benefits of water efficiency for schools, based on the findings of three school districts.
Indoor plants
Plants are great for indoor environments, but they can also cause allergies. Plants that release pollen can aggravate allergy symptoms. In particular, flowering plants can cause hayfever. Other common indoor plants, such as the peace lily, can cause skin rashes. Read more about indoor plants for kids below. Listed below are the benefits of indoor plants for kids. The best ones are listed in order of importance.
Plants have numerous benefits for students. Not only do they improve air quality in the classroom, they can also reduce students’ negative moods. Many children find that the responsibility of caring for a plant is very rewarding. They may not enjoy growing their own plants, but growing them in a school will help them to grow. Plants are also helpful in teaching about science. Kids can measure the stem length of plants or stick on features like leaves and stems.
Environmental education
One of the most important aspects of a green school is environmental education. Students can make pledges to save energy and lessen waste. Teachers and administrators can help students become more aware of their own power and the environment. Students can even make changes in the school building and become Green Seal certified. There are many other opportunities to get involved with environmental education in green schools for kids. To get started, you need to identify what your school’s specific needs are.
There are many benefits of integrating environmental education into the curriculum. For example, heavy-duty vehicles are prohibited from idling for longer than five minutes and must be inspected for emissions. Moreover, DEC regulations require schools to adhere to stormwater management standards. Green infrastructure in schools includes green roofs, rain gardens, and other ways to minimize pollution. These changes can make a difference for the future of our kids and their planet.