HSC Press Releases

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

Energy-Efficient School Construction Act Requires Green Building for New Illinois Schools
Bill Reduces School Utility Bills, Creates Healthier School Environments

Chicago, May 30, 2007 – At new schools throughout Illinois, children will study in buildings designed to share an extra lesson: that environmental stewardship can lead to lower energy bills and more comfortable spaces for learning.

The Energy Efficient School Construction Act, SB505, sailed through the Senate today with a vote of 51-9, making Illinois one of the first states in the nation to require that new schools be designed and constructed to meet green building standards.

"Building in a way that’s healthy and energy-efficient is simply the right thing to do, especially for schools," said Mark Bishop, deputy director of the Healthy Schools Campaign, an independent not-for-profit organization dedicated to healthy school environments. "Green building choices save schools money on their energy bills, create more productive learning environments, and provide a strong example of environmental stewardship for children and the community."

State and national models of schools built with energy-efficient standards show benefits including higher student test scores, increased attendance, reduced operation and maintenance costs, lower utility bills, and increased teacher retention. These building choices also reduce negative environmental impact and provide opportunities for teaching about science and sustainability.

"Smart building choices pay for themselves quickly and lower energy expenses for the life of the facility," said Mike Waldinger of the American Institute of Architects Illinois. "They also make the buildings more comfortable and more conducive to learning."

Schools will be built to meet the U. S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, the Green Building Initiative's Green Globes Green Building Rating System, or the green building standards of the Capital Development Board and its Green Building Advisory Committee, to be released in January 2008.

The Energy Efficient School Construction Act was introduced by Sen. John Cullerton (D-Chicago) and sponsored in the House by Rep. Dave Winters (R-Rockford). It is supported by a coalition 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.

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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.