TRENTON – The Assembly Education Committee has approved a bill that would require the design of all new public schools to follow industry recognized standards for green building practices.
The bill (A1076) would require all new public schools in New Jersey to incorporate building practices that would significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact on the environment and the building’s occupants. In doing so, new public schools would be required to incorporate the guidelines developed by the United States Green Building Council known as the “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” (LEED).
The LEED for Schools program promotes schools that are healthy for students, comfortable for teachers, and cost-effective by addressing issues such as classroom acoustics, master planning, mold prevention, and environmental site assessment. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in key areas, including: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation in design.
The United States Green Building Council is a non-profit organization composed of leaders from every sector of the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible and healthy places to live and work.
Although similar requirements were instituted by executive order under the previous administration, this legislation would codify these practices into law and ensure that they are incorporated for years to come.
