IGBC Introduces Eco Rating System for Schools
According to the new eco-rating system launched by the Indian Green Building Council, it will be rating the schools on the basis of certain norms set by the council. Green buildings are becoming a popular trend and way of construction to be followed for most buildings these days.
The Green Building rating decided by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) will rate schools on the basis of certain factors such as:
- Construction
- Functioning
- Campus cleanliness such as cleanliness of toilets and separate ones for boys and girls, use of non-toxic paints and dust-free chalk. This will also ensure that children are in a healthy environment.
- Energy efficiency and use of energy efficient electrical appliances. Points are to be awarded in accordance to the amount of energy savings generated.
- Use of natural light, ventilation and capturing of solar potential
- Adequate and well-planned outdoor play areas
- Proper waste management norms such as use of separate bins for plastics, organic waste and paper.
Most these norms are relatively easy to follow and the council believes that if schools aspire to do so, it will help raise awareness of the importance of preserving our environment. Students will also learn about environmental sensitivity and understand how environmental degradation around us can be prevented by taking well-informed decisions from an early age.
Eco friendly schools can also help save costs on school management.
Influence of schools: Schools are responsible for shaping the behaviour and thought of children and have major influence over them. Environmental issues are not something that merely a curriculum can impose but something that will genuinely spur interest and spread awareness from a more practical point of view.
Ideas for Green Building: The IGBC is constantly encouraging schools to follow energy efficiency policies by installing solar appliances make use of water effectively and re-use of waste water.
Proper fixtures that control flow rates and conserve water are also important.
Installation of water meters can monitor the total use of water by the school students.
Waste water can be piped out from the sink through a grease tap to fall into plants and trees near the window sills of the same classroom. Plants will thus be watered everyday while not wasting grey water.
Organic waste collected from the school can be used for creating composts.
Children are to be encouraged to make use of recyclable products and can even be assigned projects of building tree guards and benches within the campus using reusable waste.
Source: The Hindu
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