The value of greening our schools in this era of reduced school budgets has never been clearer. As more and more colleges are offering degrees in sustainability, more and more engineers and facility managers are recognizing the installation, cost, health and beautification benefits of selecting green construction products.
Ironically reduced school budgets have encouraged innovation and introduced new uses for existing resources to assist with the greening our schools initiative. Within budget constraints schools are developing renewable sources of energy, creating healthier spaces and reducing construction waste through specification of green products. Many schools have broken away from the traditional model and chosen demountable walls for the flexibility, reduced cost, short installation time and improved air quality. Because Nxtwall demountable wall systems are designed for reuse and reconfiguration, schools can respond quickly to curriculum changes and student populations with less interruption. Speedy installation, reduced material cost and less waste is dumped into landfills when renovations for classrooms, offices, and public spaces are required.
By modernizing existing facilities to increase daylight harvesting and reduce sound transmissions students and staff are enjoying increased productivity, higher achievement ratings and improved attitudes. Nxtwall has installations of demountable walls in newly constructed buildings and in many existing buildings on Heartland AEA, Michigan State University, University of Utah, Vanderbilt University, Duke University and other campuses throughout the United States. Improving the quality of the interior spaces from tight, poorly lit classrooms to rooms filled with natural light from seamless glass front walls retro fit with existing wall systems or conventional gypsum walls are simple steps these schools have taken to be more financially and environmentally conscious.
When we speak of greening our schools or ways for schools to save money and go green there are many areas that can be addressed. From green cleaning products, recycling, Low-VOC paint, eco-friendly playground equipment, bike racks, interior wall reconfiguration, and buying smart with high quality long lasting products that reduce waste, there are steps that can be taken easily. Designing for today and planning tomorrow is key to reducing the impact schools have on the environment.
Learn more about the USGBC’s Greening Our Schools. What’s stopping your school district, college or university campus from improved environmental stewardship?
