HSC Press Releases

For Immediate Release
Contact: Tara Kennon, 312-419-1810
tara@healthyschoolscampaign.org

Energy Efficient School Construction Act Moves Forward in Illinois State Senate
Bill Would Provide Incentive for Healthy, High-Performance School Construction

Chicago, March 15, 2007 – A bill is moving forward in the Illinois Senate that would give schools greater incentive to make healthy, energy-efficient building choices.

The Energy Efficient School Construction Act, SB 505, was approved by the Illinois Senate Education Committee March 7 by a vote of 8-2, bringing it closer to presentation in the full state Senate.

The act would use the existing school construction grant program and categories to allow the Illinois State Board of Education and Capital Development Board to increase the school construction grant index by 5 percent for projects that meet specific green building standards.

The 5 percent grant increase would cover the initial additional cost of incorporating building features designed with educational objectives and energy savings in mind.

“Design features can significantly reduce the energy costs that are such an enormous expense for our state's schools,” said Mike Waldinger of the American Institute of Architects, Chicago chapter. “Smart building choices pay for themselves quickly and lower energy expenses for the life of the facility. They can also make the buildings more comfortable and more conducive to learning.”

State and national models built with energy-efficient standards show the benefits of high-performance buildings, including higher student test scores, increased average daily attendance, reduced operation and maintenance costs, lower utility bills, increased teacher satisfaction and retention and less negative environmental impact.

“We know that healthy, high-performance schools support better education for the students and a more productive work environment for staff,” said Mark Bishop, deputy director of the Healthy Schools Campaign, an independent not-for-profit organization dedicated to healthy school environments. “These building choices are the right thing to do -- and they set a strong example of innovation and environmental stewardship for Illinois children.”

The act does not change the prioritization list or the ranking of schools eligible to receive grants.

The Energy Efficient School Construction Act was introduced by Sen. John Cullerton (D-Chicago). It is supported by four additional co-sponsors and a group of organizations including the American Institute of Architects, Illinois Council; American Lung Association of Illinois;
Environment Illinois; Environmental Law and Policy Center; Healthy Schools Campaign;
Illinois Environmental Council; and Illinois PIRG.

Full details and bill status updates:
http://www.healthyschoolscampaign.org/eeschools

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The Healthy Schools Campaign, an independent not-for-profit organization, is the leading authority on healthy school environments and a voice for people who care about our environment, our children and education. Our mission is to advocate for policies and model programs that allow students and staff members to learn and work in a healthy school environment.