Americans Voice Strong Mandate for Better School Buildings and Infrastructure in New Nationwide Independent Poll
90 percent of Americans agree that more money needs to go toward fixing our nation's school facilities
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A new independent nationwide survey reveals 3 out of 4 Americans are supportive of green schools. The survey, sponsored by United Technologies Corp. (UTC) and the U.S. Green Building Council's Center for Green Schools, explores American's attitudes toward the country's public school buildings and investments to modernize school infrastructure. The results were announced today during a press conference at the Greenbuild Conference & Expo in Philadelphia.
The survey results show that 90 percent of Americans think it is important to improve public school buildings. Across political party lines, more than half of those surveyed (54 percent) would rate K-12 school buildings and infrastructure in the United States as poor or fair at best.
"The results of this nationwide survey are a call to action for elected officials and school leaders across the country," said Rachel Gutter, director of the Center for Green Schools at USGBC. "Nine out of 10 Americans believe that it's time for us to invest in transforming aging school facilities into 21st century learning environments. Regardless of political affiliation, Americans agree: where our children learn matters."
More than half of Americans surveyed also feel that the U.S. does not spend enough money on buildings and infrastructure in K-12 schools. Nearly half of respondents (49 percent) would donate to a green schools cause and 43 percent would volunteer time to green their own schools.
"Every day 25 percent of Americans go to school as students, faculty, staff and administrators. Green schools improve learning, health and productivity, while lowering operating costs. There is measurable opportunity here to improve the day-to-day life for a quarter of Americans," said John Mandyck, chief sustainability officer, UTC Building & Industrial Systems. "These results show a tremendous level of public support for school infrastructure improvements and the investment they will require."
The Center for Green Schools estimates it will cost $271 billion to bring school buildings up to working order and comply with laws. If additional steps are taken to ensure schools meet today's education, safety and health standards, the Center estimates that figure grows to $542 billion.
The independent survey of 500 Americans was conducted via telephone from Oct. 31 – Nov. 4, 2013 by David Binder Research.
About the Center for Green Schools at USGBC
The Center for Green Schools at USGBC is making sure every student has the opportunity to attend a green school within this generation. From kindergarten to college and beyond, the Center works directly with staff, teachers, faculty, students, administrators, elected officials and communities to drive the transformation of all schools into sustainable places to live and learn, work and play. For more information, visit centerforgreenschools.org or find us on Twitter and Facebook.
About United Technologies Corp.
United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., provides high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries. For more information, visit our website at www.utc.com or follow us on Twitter: @UTC.
SOURCE United Technologies Corp.; USGBC
Share this article