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Earth Day 2010: A Move in the “Green” Direction

April 2010

On this Earth Day, we would like to take a moment to applaud those K-12 and community college  districts that have taken the bold leap to engage in green projects, such as the installation of solar panels, and incorporation of green, sustainable building practices in their modernization and new construction projects.  We look forward to helping school districts navigate this new green road in the future, not only to reduce our impact on the environment, but also to save districts money and help create more effective learning atmospheres for our leaders of tomorrow.

As a nation, we are becoming more conscious of the need to reduce human impact on the environment.  This is especially true in California where laws to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (AB 32) have been passed; Executive Orders to reduce energy use in state-owned buildings by twenty (20) percent by 2015 have been signed (S-20-04); and regulations mandating the use of green building methods and water conservation technology in new buildings (CALGreen Code) are being implemented.

Furthermore, as new green technology and building materials become more affordable and prevalent, more and more districts will have the opportunity to Go Green.  By implementing green and sustainable building practices and taking steps to reduce water and energy use, school districts have the opportunity to not only reduce utility and operations costs, but also improve student learning.  Numerous studies have shown that “green schools” can improve student performance and health.  For more information on such studies, please visit the website of the U.S. Green Building Council at: www.greenschoolbuildings.org/resources/research.aspx.

Our firm is committed to helping schools Go Green.  We are the proud sponsor of a scholarship for school-based programs that involve students in efforts to Go Green in partnership with the California School Boards Association’s Golden Bell Awards.  For more information on this award and to apply, please visit the CSBA website at: www.csba.org/TrainingAndEvents/Events/GoldenBell.aspx.

Additionally, our firm is also partnering with the Association of California School Administrators to offer a free webinar series entitled “Ready…Set…Go Green!”.  For more information on the various free sessions that will be offered as a part of this program, please visit the ACSA website at: www.acsa.org/green.

F3 NewsFlash prepared by Kathleen J. McKee and Gregory Rodriguez.
Kathy is a partner in the F3 San Marcos office.
Greg is an associate in the F3 San Marcos office.

This F3 NewsFlash is a summary only and not legal advice.  We recommend that you consult with legal counsel to determine how this matter may apply to your specific facts and circumstances.  Information on a free NewsFlash subscription can be found at www.fagenfriedman.com.

As part of the E-ducation™ Professional Development Series hosted by ACSA and F3, we offer webinars on various topics.  You can find the information on the ACSA website at http://www.acsa.org/MainMenuCategories/ProfessionalLearning/E-ducation-Series.aspx.

© 2010 Fagen Friedman & Fulfrost, LLP

All rights reserved, except that the Managing Partner of Fagen Friedman & Fulfrost, LLP hereby grants permission to any client of Fagen Friedman & Fulfrost, LLP to use, reproduce and distribute this NewsFlash intact and solely for the internal, noncommercial purposes of such client.