NYC Green Schools Guide Released

The New York City (NYC) Department of Education and the NYC Construction Authority have announced the release of the NYC Green Schools Guide and rating system, designed to bring new school construction projects into compliance with Local Law 86, which sets green building requirements for all public buildings in the city. The new rating system combines elements from both LEED for Schools and the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) with some new aspects. Certain credits in the new system are required for all projects, while others are required if feasible (design teams must provide reasons acceptable to the certifying body to avoid fulfilling these credits). For example, credits pertaining to low-emitting materials are required of all projects, while credits pertaining to daylighting and views are required if feasible. The Green Schools Guide is available online at http://schools.nyc.gov/offices/sca/doingbusiness/.