Planned School Sets Example

Albuquerque Public Schools officials have a prized school and it’s not even off the ground yet.

The planned Westgate elementary school has been given a “Green” stamp by a national coalition that promotes sustainable schools. The school, which will begin construction in August to relieve crowding at the 1,200-student Edward Gonzales Elementary, has met the standards of the U.S. Green Building Council.

When it is finished it will be the first “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” green building in APS history. Better late than never.

The school’s plans earned the distinction because they take into account energy conservation. The school walls will be thicker to handle temperature extremes, and eastern and western windows will have shade panels with perforated metals to deflect the light.

It is not cheap to invest in the future — these schools cost 10- 20 percent more to build than traditional construction. But APS officials say the sustainable school will pay off in the long run with saved energy costs and fewer repair bills.

APS has said it plans to use this school as a model for others. Making every school in the district “green” can’t be done overnight, but starting small is still better than not doing anything at all.

(c) 2007 Albuquerque Journal. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.