Category Archives: Green Schools

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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Teacher scores a bull’s eye by demonstrating physics through archery

Ernie Vita, who just finished the ninth grade at CVHS, nocks his arrow in P.E. class

Ernie Vita, who just finished the ninth grade at CVHS, nocks his arrow in P.E. class

Jamie Scott, a science teacher at Carnegie Vanguard High School (CVHS), has been demonstrating various principles of physics to her students this year using archery sets purchased with a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) grant.

The $11,000 grant from TPWD’s Community Outdoor Outreach Program also allowed Scott to buy camping equipment for the school’s ECO (Environment, Community, and Outdoor) Club, and purchase tools and plants to convert the school’s green roof into a “pocket prairie,” with help from the Katy Prairie Conservancy.

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Briargrove ES students learn about connecting with environment

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The Briargrove Elementary School community celebrated Earth Day this year with plenty of activities, including their fifth annual Earth Day Picnic for the Planet on May 1.

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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 →

Briargrove students enter solar-powered project in national contest

hydroplanterBriargrove Elementary School students are once again being considered for a national award for their efforts to build a greener campus and maintain a healthy environment.

As part of HISD’s recent Green Apple Day of Service, the school has entered their solar-powered hydro-planter project into the 2014 National Reuse Contest, sponsored by The Reuse People of America.

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Houston Rockets supports HISD effort to raise awareness about recycling

clutchStudents at Shearn Elementary School were paid a visit from Clutch, the mascot for the NBA Houston Rockets, as part of a fun and educational program that teaches kids about recycling.

The show, “Red Nation Goes Green: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” is a partnership between HISD and the Houston Rockets to help increase the district’s awareness of recycling, along with the importance of education.

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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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HISD students, staff participate in Green Apple Day of Service

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About 150 volunteers and community partners were hard at work with their gardening tools and gloves on Saturday for Briargrove Elementary School’s Green Apple Day of Service event.

Students, parents, staff and community members participated in the second annual event by weeding the edible and butterfly gardens on campus, cleaning the outdoor track and installing a water bottle-filling station for outdoor hydration.

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