• The building sector is responsible for over 40% of US carbon dioxide emissions – more than the entire economy of any other country except China.

As a rough estimate, a green school could lead to the following annual emission reductions per school:

• 1,200 pounds of nitrogen oxides (NOx) – a principal component of smog
• 1,300 pounds of sulfur dioxide (SO2) – a principal cause of acid rain
• 585,000 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) – the principal greenhouse gas and the principal product of combustion
• 150 pounds of coarse particulate matter (PM10) – a principal cause of respiratory illness and an important contributor to smog

Source: Greening America’s Schools: www.cap-e.com/ewebeditpro/items/O59F9819.pdf