Governor Quinn and U.S. Green Council Urge Illinois Schools to Go Green

From the Office of Governor Pat Quinn

CHICAGO – Governor Pat Quinn today joined with U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) National Board Chair Gail Vittori and Rep. Karen May (D-Highland Park) to urge Illinois schools to implement sustainable building practices as a way to save money and reduce energy use and pollution.

“It is important for schools and school districts to make sustainability a guiding principle for building operations, maintenance, grounds and classroom activities,” said Governor Quinn at the Tarkington School of Excellence. “I want to thank the U.S. Green Building Council for making a commitment here in Illinois to help green our state.”

USGBC, in partnership with local community groups, has announced a project to retrofit three Illinois schools: one in Chicago, one in the suburbs, and one downstate. The schools will achieve certification under the USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards for sustainable building.

Green schools represent a potential $32 billion in energy savings over the next 10 years nationwide. On average, green schools save $100,000 per year, which could pay for two new teachers, buy 200 new computers or purchase 5,000 new textbooks.

“Moving from conventional schools to green schools is one of the best investments we can make,” said Gail Vittori, USGBC Board Chair. “Green schools can help improve student learning and health, and they have the potential to save taxpayers and schools billions of dollars in energy costs.”

Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of CO2 emissions, 40% of energy consumption and 15% of GDP, making green building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity. Greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future U.S. demand for energy, and a national commitment to green building has the potential to generate 2.5 million American jobs.

Tarkington School of Excellence has signed the Governor’s Sustainable Schools Compact. The compact challenges Illinois K-12 schools to pursue a number of sustainable best practices by December 2010. Since the launch of the compact in January 2008, more than 175 schools throughout the state have signed on to participate in the program.