Stevenson High first in U.S. to be honored for green efforts
Longtime advocates of energy-conservation efforts, Stevenson High School officials will be honored this month 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.
Gold certification is the second-highest level in a four-tiered ratings system.
"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.
A public ceremony is set for 6 p.m. Oct. 18 in the school's west auditorium. U.S. Rep. Robert Dold and representatives from the Green Buildings Council are scheduled to attend.
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.
Both still are in place.
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.
"This was truly a schoolwide effort because LEED certification isn't the type of thing that can be accomplished by one person," Conrey said. "In our case, dozens of people were involved: teachers, administrators, students, school board members, support staff, and even folks from Sodexo School Services, which handles our cafeteria and cleaning operations."
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.
If you want to attend the reception, RSVP by Monday by emailing wwilms@d125.org or calling (847) 415-4496.
To learn more about the U.S. Green Building Council and the LEED program, visit usgbc.org.