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A number of new schools in Austin, TX, use recyclable materials in construction and have incorporated water- and energy-saving features in the buildings. Austin has been involved in creating schools that are healthier and less expensive to operate for some time. Five years ago, they made what was then the largest purchase of renewable energy from Austin Energy’s GreenChoice Program – more than 45 million kWh annually of solar, wind or geothermal power. Pickle Elementary School, which opened in 1999, was their first campus to include features like proper solar orientation, rainwater collection and other strategies that are estimated to save $12 million over the life of the school.
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