Special Report Part III: Lessons Learned From Green School Facilities

Those who have been involved with green building say it requires thorough planning, engagement of school staff from principals to students and, perhaps most importantly, a heavy dose of patience.

The green schools concept, while not new, got a boost in the early debate over the 2009 federal economic stimulus plan. At one point, the bill contained $20 billion earmarked specifically for school modernization, renovation and repair, with mandates to spend some of the money on green building projects.