Green Schools

The Romania Green Building Council, the main national organization dedicated to the sustainability of buildings and the built environment, has launched a certification system for schools called Green Schools.

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A multidisciplinary team of experts, including representatives from the Romanian National Lighting Committee, Zero Waste Romania, the National Radon Association, and the Technical University of Constructions Bucharest - Faculty of Installations Engineering, is involved in this initiative.​

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Currently, 14 schools under construction or major renovation, in Bucharest, Iasi and Cluj Napoca, are being certified by Green Schools.

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The certification program includes 7 categories and 54 criteria, related to the design, execution and operation stages, as follows:
 

1. Health and quality of the indoor environment
   The quality of the indoor environment affects the health of children. The program requires measures to prevent contamination with radon—a radioactive gas found in the earth's crust that is dangerous to the respiratory system. Tests for formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds harmful to health will also be conducted. Additional measures include abundant natural lighting, efficient ventilation systems, acoustic comfort, prevention of mold and dampness in locker rooms and bathrooms, and biophilic design, which incorporates natural elements like vegetation in classrooms and other indoor spaces. 

2. Circular economy and resource conservation  Children will learn how to become responsible consumers, the planned wear and tear of materials and products, the minimization of waste generated, separate collection at source, the reduction of food waste, composting and the disposal of disposable plastic. Construction with non-toxic, local, fire-resistant materials with recycled content and environmentally friendly design will also be encouraged.

3. Energy performance involves educating children on how to reduce energy consumption, as well as optimization solutions such as efficient facade, renewable energy sources, motion and twilight sensors, thermostat for controlling the ambient temperature and an intelligent management system. Achieving the goals set by the NZEB is mandatory, while exceeding them leads to gaining additional points and recognizing a higher level of sustainability.

4. Optimizing water consumption is important because although 70% of the Earth's surface is covered with water, only 2.5% is suitable drinking water for consumption. However, only 1% is the amount of drinking water that can be directly accessed and used. The amount of water per capita globally is declining, and contaminated water remains one of the most important causes of serious illness and even death.
   The proposed solutions include the installation of sanitary ware with low water flow, drip irrigation or landscaping with local plants, easily adaptable that require low water maintenance and consumption as well as rainwater recycling.

5. Biodiversity
   It involves gardening solutions that protect the soil and groundwater from artificial fertilizers and pesticides, as well as its own food production according to the principles of urban permaculture, the arrangement of spaces dedicated to insects, birds, etc.

6. Sustainable transport
   The mobility strategy proposed in the Green Schools program will change the way children travel on the home-school route. Smart and sustainable transport is encouraged, which will substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants. Bicycles and buses dedicated to school activities are proposed, which are entirely electrically propelled, non-polluting and the installation of electric charging stations.

7. Monitoring and education
   It involves the adoption of internal policies on a holistic view of the environment, monitoring the implementation of measures in the operation phase of the building, encouraging sustainable procurement; involvement of children in monitoring waste generation; a participatory process of consultation of all stakeholders (children, parents, teachers, authorities); teacher and administrative training; courses dedicated to children with a focus on learning by doing activities.
    

The Green Schools certification developed by the Romania Green Building Council is a useful tool and a roadmap for all those involved in the design, construction, and operation of a school. Through independent monitoring and a holistic approach, the certification system guarantees authentic performance in terms of environmental sustainability, both in the building and in the community.

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If you want support in the design, construction, renovation and certification of a green school you can contact Monica Ardeleanu via email at  monica.ardeleanu@rogbc.org