It seems every industry, from technology to transportation, is jumping on the eco-friendly bandwagon. The education field is also joining the movement, with green schools opening up across the globe. According toUSA Today, the Great Seneca Creek Elementary School in Germantown, Md., recently became the first school in the state to be certified as eco-friendly. On the other side of the world, the first green school in the Middle East is set to open in Dubai later this year, Emirates Business 24/7 reports. For cutting-edge schools, going green makes good sense.
With its expansive use of new and creative green technology, the Howe Dell School in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, England, is arguably the most eco-friendly school in the United Kingdom. In 2008,Property Week placed the school on its list of the greenest buildings in the United Kingdom.
"We have sedum roofs, and we have recycled materials used in the building," says Headteacher Debra Massey. "All the sink units are made from recycled yoghurt pots. There are desks in the main entrance made from recycled mobile phones and water [and] gas pipes."
Desks made from cell phones aren't the only thing separating Howe Dell from other green schools. The school has a one-of-a-kind Interseasonal Heat Transfer system under its playground that absorbs solar energy directly from the sun and stores it under the school. During the winter, the solar energy is released to heat the school. Howe Dell is the first building in the country to utilize this new technology.
- Reusable napkins.
- Solar panels for heating water.
- A system that uses rainwater in the toilets.
- Large windows and roof lights to maximize natural light.
- Photovoltaic panels that capture sunlight to power the school's air-conditioning system.
- Eco-friendly cleaning materials.
- Wind turbines.
Maintaining these green technologies can present challenges on some levels, especially since some of the equipment requires the touch of a specialist. "It's a bit like a giant green jigsaw puzzle," Massey says. "Maintenance has been a challenge ... but this is improving as other organizations become more eco-friendly." Massey does not see these maintenance problems as long-term issues, and she is pleasantly surprised by all the positive attention the school has been getting. Visitors from all over the United Kingdom and from the United States have toured the school, marveling at the technology.
In addition to having an eco-friendly building and environment, Howe Dell incorporates green lessons into its curriculum by weaving eco-related concepts into different subject areas. Teachers receive eco-related professional development training to ensure these lessons are integrated in a meaningful way.
"The facilities and unity of the staff in providing such a rich learning opportunity is very exciting," says Massey.
