Stevenson High first in U.S. to be honored for green efforts

Longtime advocates of energy-conservation efforts, Stevenson High School officials in Lincolnshire, Ill. has been honored for adopting earth-friendly architectural standards.

The Lincolnshire school is the first public high school in the nation to receive gold-level certification for an existing facility from the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program.

The LEED system awards points for water and energy conservation, indoor air quality, the use of preferred products for cleaning and other products, earth-friendly purchasing policies and other efforts.

“To be recognized as one of the most green schools in America is very exciting, especially when you consider that we have a building that covers nearly 1 million square feet,” Stevenson spokesman Jim Conrey said.

Stevenson's conservation efforts have been under way for years.

In 2008, a garden was installed on the roof above an environmental science classroom as a way to absorb sunlight, keep the room cooler and reduce electricity usage. Solar panels were installed to generate power for a separate science classroom, too.

Additionally, school officials have created programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save energy. They've increased recycling; adjusted heating, cooling and lighting use during off hours; and reduced paper use through expanded electronic communications, among other steps.

The various projects contributing to the LEED certification cost the district about $200,000, Conrey said. Now implemented, the efforts are saving the school about $100,000 a year, he said.

To learn more about the U.S. Green Building Council and the LEED program, visit usgbc.org.

Read the full story at the Daily Herald.