INDIANAPOLIS – April 17, 2009 — Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) will pursue Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for 25 of the 27 schools set to be renovated in the next phase of the district’s Capital Improvements Program. LEED is a rating system established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
Announcement of the LEED certification was made today by IPS Superintendent Dr. Eugene G. White and by Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard.
“Through our SustainIndy initiative, we are taking great strides toward making this a more sustainable, more livable city,” said Mayor Ballard. “We will achieve that goal much faster if green building practices are embraced as best practices by our community. Today’s announcement with IPS is a terrific example of what can be accomplished when public and private sectors work together to improve the quality of life in Indianapolis.”
This announcement – this “25 at a time” approach by IPS to convert existing structures to energy efficient, green buildings, and ultimately to seek LEED certification – is a tremendous contribution toward making this a greener, more sustainable, more livable city. The nationally recognized LEED program promotes the design and construction of buildings that are economically, socially, and environmentally responsible places to learn and work.
“Many schools we built or renovated in Phases 1 and 2 of the Capital Improvements Program followed LEED concepts, because we made a concerted effort to save energy, conserve water and improve air quality in our schools,” said White. “We will enhance and document the sustainable aspects of Phase 3 renovations to submit them for LEED certification.”
“The IPS School Board is enthusiastic about pursuing LEED certification and setting an example for environmentally responsible and sustainable building and renovation practices,” said White.
IPS does not anticipate an increase in the renovation budgets for the 25 LEED projects, because the district had already placed a high priority on energy efficiency when it set standards and budgets for Phase 3 projects.
The majority of the Phase 3 projects will be designed in 2009 and 2010, with construction starting in 2010, 2011 and 2012.
