Green Living: Buildings & Careers

Green Schools Challenge Activities:

STE(A)M Activity: Building the Future with Net Zero Buildings (Design & Build Competition: register a team here)

CREATE YOUR OWN - Submit Lesson Plan click here  

Points for participation will be based on a rubric. Download here.

Green Living (Building & Careers) Activity Submission Form Click Here

What's the problem?

According to the EPA, buildings in the U.S. are responsible for significant national figures: 74% of electricity consumption, 40% of carbon dioxide emissions, and 13% of water consumption. Given that a large portion of our carbon emissions stems from infrastructure, which greatly contributes to climate change, it is crucial to upgrade buildings to enhance efficiency and sustainability. Moreover, buildings and roads absorb and radiate more heat than natural landscapes, exacerbating the urban heat island effect and raising temperatures in cities above surrounding areas. This phenomenon increases the risk of heat-related illnesses and fatalities, disproportionately affecting low-income and BIPOC communities. 

Why should we care?

Green living integrates sustainable practices into our daily lives, fostering eco-friendly and cost-effective community development. Central to this ethos is the promotion of "green careers" within businesses that prioritize environmental benefits or enhance our understanding of global impacts. These careers include roles focused on making production processes more sustainable, such as green builders who specialize in designing, constructing, and using environmentally friendly materials for buildings. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, STEM occupations are projected to grow by 10.5% over the next decade, outpacing the growth of other sectors and ensuring a robust future for the U.S. 

What can we do?

Students and teachers can champion green living by advancing towards becoming "Green Schools." These schools effectively prepare students to lead in a rapidly changing world by integrating sustainable practices into their operations and building designs, thus modeling eco-friendly behavior. Beyond educational institutions, organizations and municipalities can combat the heat island effect through various strategies. These include increasing vegetation and tree coverage, utilizing green or reflective roofs, and modifying pavements to minimize heat absorption. Shifting towards sustainable materials like wood and plant fibers instead of steel and concrete could potentially transform buildings into carbon sinks, actively reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.