Green Schools | News

Report: Americans Value School Buildings, Rate Current Infrastructure Poor to Fair

• By Joshua Bolkan
• 11/22/13

A new survey suggests that most Americans, 90 percent, think it's important to improve public school buildings. The report, sponsored by the United States Green Building Council's Center for Green Schools and United Technologies, also found that 54 percent of respondents rated the country's K-12 infrastructure and buildings poor or fair.

"More than half of Americans surveyed also feel that the U.S. does not spend enough money on buildings and infrastructure in K-12 schools," according to a news release.

Respondents told researchers they would donate to a cause devoted to green schools or volunteer to make their own school greener at rates of 49 and 43 percent, respectively.

"The results of this nationwide survey are a call to action for elected officials and school leaders across the country," said Rachel Gutter, director of the Center for Green Schools, in a prepared statement. "Nine out of 10 Americans believe that it's time for us to invest in transforming aging school facilities into 21st century learning environments. Regardless of political affiliation, Americans agree: where our children learn matters."