natural light

A green school aims to enhance and protect the surroundings. Staff and students work together on projects within the school and in the local community, hoping to reduce waste, water and energy consumption and pollution, and increase biodiversity. A green school uses 60 percent less energy than a conventional building, 70 percent less water and the air inside is clean and safe to breathe.

The largest employer in Abilene, Texas - and a model among military installations around the country - has reduced both its energy and water usage with various enviro-friendly approaches. By using graywater, Dyess Air Force Base has cut the city's water usage by 2 percent. With the installation of skylights, dimmer switches and by just turning off the AC, the base has reduced its electrical consumption by about 20 percent.