Critical Theme #1: A Zero Carbon School
Based on your discussions, a "Sustainable" school, aware of its impact on the environment, was a common theme. Please use this discussion thread to share some ideas of what this might look like in our 21st Century School, i.e. Cafeteria, Architecture, in class work, etc.
8 Replies
I do believe that the idea of an eco-friendly school is very important when taking into regard the focus on the environment in countries today, however the idea of changing the appearance and build of schools that already exsist is not very efficent. For example, if all schools were to be rebuilt the students would be out of an educational environment for several months and the funding would also be a potential issue. I do feel that schools should focus more on the environment in the curiculum. I am from the United Kingdom and the environment and global warming are very fundamental parts of our curriculum and therefore I find that this issue should be expressed through the curriculum and NOT the building.
Incorporating sustainibility into the 21st century school should be of significance. Generally, society is trying to become more environmentally-friendly so it would make sense that schools would follow in suite. The introduction of eco-friendly technologies into schools could be expensive, however. But, even simple methods could prove to be effective, if it were instituted province-wide. For example, schools could introduce a recycling program, that includes food wastes, plastics, bottles, cardboard/paper, etc. Also, schools could look to reduce their paper consumption, by having notes available on-line, for example.
Well I think that with school budgets as they are, taking extra costs to reducing things like environmental is only gonna be pulling cash out of somewhere more integral.
Ideally, yes.
Realistically, not really.
Everyone is obssesing bout cost but every school can fund itself through parents and communtity and the goverment. Every school has a budget that they can be very creative with. The building itself shouldnt be rebuilt the heaters in it can be upgraded, solar/ wind energy can be added. and if use less paper schools will save LOTS of money from taking out the cost of printing, paper, maintnce and so on. that money can be used into a more eco-friendly school
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YA
With all the concern about the environment lately, I think the schools are a good place to start because that is where the minds of tomorrow originate. Inventive ideas starting early on (or even the basis for them) would be highly beneficial to the progress being made. It may not have to be a huge detriment or interruption to education if it is not viewed as an "over night" thing. This is a gradual process and new, environmently friendly aspects can be added over time.
Personally, and don't flame me for this please, I do not believe in Global Warming. HOWEVER, I do believe that it is up to us, the human race, to take care of the Earth. It really is a good idea to teach students to do just that and school is the perfect place to start. A school garden, with the students taking care of it, and using the vegetables grown in the cafeteria, would be a great place to start. Students, especially the younger ones, tend to copy what they do at school, and apply them at home, like crafting, whether they know it or not. A student who really enjoys their school garden may grow one at home.
For a zero carbon school, although initial cost could be an issue, most schools or communities would be able to overcome this hurdle through fundraisers or government grants. If schools were to undertake "green ititiatives", they could eventually pay off and make the school money (ie. sell power back to provider). I realize that this would take a long time and large start up capital; however, if initiatives like this were undertaken, it would be beneficial for the school, the community, and the environment.
I believe that a zero or near zero carbon school is of utmost importance. Since reducing our carbon footprint is a global goal, if we introduce green methods at an earlier age, such as in elementary school, it will become a way of life for students. Even things as simple as a few solar panels, or a compost bin. On top of that, I know that some schools do have these things, but these green technologies should be available to all. Even something like a classroom energy usage meter can teach children how much energy that they actually consume, and they can work towards a more energy efficient classroom. Thats my 2 bits.
Emma
Feb 23, 2011 at 5:41 PM