State legislators have unique opportunities to promote green schools through public sector
mandates, incentives for green construction, operations and maintenance practices, creating
financing mechanisms and fostering community partnerships. At the 2009 Green Schools State
Legislative Summit, lawmakers discussed a range of ideas to include in USGBC’s menu of
legislative options for green schools. These options have since been updated to include recent
legislative action reflecting current national priorities, including more in‐depth financing models,
as well as opportunities to green existing buildings, promote children’s health and encourage
environmental literacy.
