Category Archives: Green Building

HISD schools receive top accolades in EPA’s Energy Star National Building Competition

School at St. George Place ranked top in nation for energy savings amongst K-12 school buildings

Nine campuses from across the Houston Independent School District were recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for reducing energy consumption by at least 20 percent over the last year.

The schools were recognized in June as part of the EPA’s 2015 Energy Star National Building Competition Battle of the Buildings Team Challenge, which encouraged organizations across the country to compete in their efforts to reduce energy and water consumption.

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Piney Point ES wins inaugural districtwide Earth Month Campaign

HISD’s Energy and Sustainability department has announced the winner of its first districtwide Earth Month Campaign to raise awareness about the environment and promote sustainable actions that reduce campus carbon footprints.

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New Mark White ES accepting applications through March 25

MarkWhiteES_800aHISD’s brand new Mark White Elementary School (2515 Old Farm Road, 77063) will be opening its doors for the first time in the fall of 2016, and interested parents have until Friday, March 25, to submit their applications for admission.

The school, which is located just north of Westheimer on the district’s west side, will offer a French-language immersion program to students in prekindergarten and kindergarten during its first year of operation, and expand the program by one additional grade each year until 2021.

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HISD launches 3rd annual Eco-Schools USA Green Schools Challenge

HISD and the National Wildlife Federation’s Eco Schools USA have teamed up to launch the third annual Green Schools Challenge in an effort to decrease the district’s energy consumption and increase environmental awareness.

The contest runs from Nov. 1 through April 30, 2016. Schools will have until Nov. 15 to sign up for the competition.

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New bond schools to be built to sustainability requirements under LEED

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At HISD,  energy conservation and smart environmental design are important considerations in every new school. That’s why all new building projects under the current bond program are expected to meet certification requirements for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

LEED is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and is used to measure the sustainability of design, construction, operation, and maintenance of buildings, homes, and neighborhoods. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED certification provides independent verification of a building’s green features, allowing for the design, construction, operations and maintenance of resource-efficient, high-performing, healthy, cost-effective buildings.

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Project Advisory Teams tour 4 innovative schools in D.C. area

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The concept of a 21st century school can be hard to imagine. But Project Advisory Team members from nine HISD schools have a clearer vision after a trip to our nation’s capital last week.

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Waltrip High School getting a modern makeover

Renovations at Waltrip High School are changing the look of the campus as glass installation recently got underway, which will replace aging windows and orange metal panels which date back to 1959 when the school was first built.

Bond Waltrip

A worker installs windows at Waltrip High School.

The change will give the campus a modern feel and be a welcomed by many stakeholders who have expressed a strong desire to see the orange panels go.

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HISD on track to save more than $8 million with energy efficiency efforts

The Houston Independent School District’s efforts to reduce energy consumption are paying dividends with a projected $8 million savings for the current fiscal year. The district’s Energy and Sustainability department credits behavioral changes, capital repairs and preventative maintenance for the reduction in costs.

“We’re excited to recognize that the district’s commitment to environmental stewardship has made a positive impact on our energy cost and consumption,” said Brian Busby, general manager of HISD Facilities Services. “The less money we spend on our utility bills means the more money we can put back into our schools.” Continue reading →

HISD receives Mayor’s Proud Partner Award for environmental program

ProudPartner_102714Houston Independent School District became the recipient of a Proud Partner Award in the 2014 Mayor’s Proud Partner Awards on Monday. The district accepted the award for its National Wildlife Federation Eco-Schools Program, along with five additional recognitions, during the 30th annual luncheon hosted by Keep Houston Beautiful.

The Mayor’s Proud Partners Luncheon, hosted by Keep Houston Beautiful, recognizes outstanding work by local organizations and individuals who aim to improve Houston’s landscape through environmental and beautification projects.

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