Costs, concerns push schools to use eco-friendly elements
The U.S. Green Building Council has recognized nearly 100 schools as eco-friendly under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program. For the LEED program, schools are rated on a point system and given a designation reflecting the environmental elements they incorporate. The highest score is 79 Certified = 29-36 points Silver = 37-43 points Gold = 44-57 points Platinum = 58-79 points. Only one school, Sidwell Friends in Washington, has achieved platinum certification status. The scoring system is divided into six categories: