Environmentally conscious facilities and programs are provided eco-friendly schools. Colleges and universities, as well as grade schools and other educational institutions, fall under this umbrella term. Some environmentally conscious schools have taken steps to improve individual classrooms, while others have focused on entire buildings and campuses. Many schools receive eco-friendly certification from a government agency or another environmental organization.
Simple waste-reduction techniques to more complex methods are used in eco-friendly schools. School-wide recycling, using air-dryers instead of paper towels in restrooms, and composting discarded food from school lunches are just a few of the basic steps schools have taken to become more environmentally conscious. Alternative power sources are sometimes used in schools as well.
Many environmentally friendly schools have their power usage analyzed. Schools can often identify ways to save energy examining how much electricity they use. If heaters or air conditioners, for example, are inefficient, the school can replace them with more energy-efficient appliances.
Eco-friendly schools place a strong emphasis on environmental protection. They frequently use energy-saving light bulbs and, during the day, may rely on sunlight as a primary light source. Some schools even have toilets that don’t use water. Another common method for retaining cold air in the summer and warmth in the winter is to use high-efficiency windows. Toilets that use less water may be installed in schools as well.
Eco-friendly schools may renovate existing structures or rooms to incorporate more environmentally friendly features. When constructing new buildings or rooms, schools may also use sustainable, locally produced materials because using local materials reduces pollution caused long-distance transportation. Recycled metals and wood can also help to cut down on waste.
Some environmentally conscious schools choose to provide students with environmentally friendly supplies. Recycling paper is common, and some schools try to cut down on paper usage providing more computers. Recycled pencils, biodegradable pens, organic crayons, and other environmentally conscious supplies may be recommended in schools with young students.
Transportation is also important for environmentally conscious schools. If children live nearby, elementary schools may encourage them to walk or ride their bikes to school. Traditional school buses may be replaced versions that run on biodiesel or other less polluting fuel sources. To reduce pollution emitted automobiles and motorcycles, environmentally conscious colleges sometimes prohibit the use of motorized vehicles on campus. To reduce pollution caused individual vehicles, colleges and universities may expand their public transportation systems.
Schools may promote environmental initiatives in addition to pollution reduction and conservation efforts. Because they include ecological lessons in their curricula, some schools are regarded as environmentally conscious. Environmental science or other related fields may be offered at eco-friendly colleges.