U.S. mayors announce support of green schools

July 5

A group of U.S. mayors is supporting the construction of more schools using green building techniques.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors, a group of about 1,100 city leaders, recently unanimously passed a resolution supporting green schools at its annual meeting in Los Angeles.

"Studies show that children in green schools are healthier and more productive because of improved indoor air quality, lower levels of chemical emissions and a generous provision of natural day lighting," said Mayor T.M. Franklin Cownie of Des Moines, Iowa. "The benefit of cleaner indoor air quality -- a key emphasis of green schools -- have been linked to lower asthma rates, fewer allergies, reduced absenteeism, and increased teacher retention rates."