As seen in The Milan News-Leader. 

Six years ago, when Milan Area Schools in Michigan built the new high school, "green" was probably not the first thought that came to mind when making most decisions.

Green and sustainability have become increasingly popular since then and many of the decisions that were made certainly fall into that category.

It isn't easy being green and it's a journey.

The new high school was built to be very energy efficient and since then the district also has implemented a robust energy management system that has saved the district more than $500,000.

"It's very easy to manage the heating and cooling system from our computer screen. As long as the communication happens when areas of the building are occupied outside of our normal schedule, we can adjust the schedule with the touch of a few key strokes," said Richard Zornow, facilities director for Milan schools. "The goal of the district is to seek LEED —Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design — for Existing Buildings Operations and Maintenance."

Two of the district's schools already have received Michigan's Green School Award.

LEED-EB O&M is a green building rating system that is verified by a third party and administered by the U.S. Green Building Council. The focus is on operation and maintenance of the building. All certified projects receive a LEED plaque, which is the nationally recognized symbol demonstrating that a building is environmentally responsible, profitable and a healthy place to live and work.

Milan Area Schools recently launched its Green Team, which consists of facilities staff, custodial lead personnel, principals from all four schools, teachers, students and representatives from food service and other outsourced services. The goal of the Green Team is to meet regularly to set goals and measure progress toward those goals.

Communication is also of major importance with a "green" program and creating an atmosphere of stewardship.

Students have also launched several initiatives on their own. Members of the high school Conservation Generation team travel to Howell every year to network with other similar student groups and always bring back ideas.

"Students come back with an idea and we may not have the resources or the exact know-how to make it happen, but they figure it out," said Ron Reed, Milan High School's principal. "We are proud that our students are so proactive when it comes to sustainability. We are raising sustainability natives in our district."

Milan also has partnered with Nichols, the district's distributor of custodial supplies, to implement a "green" cleaning program. The goal is to use "green" chemicals where available, as well as tools and practices to create a healthier indoor air quality.

A recycling program has been launched, as well as an integrated pest management program.

As part of the documentation for LEED, progress with all of the programs will be measured over time.

"We are committed to creating a healthier environment for our students and staff. It's a journey and we have already made great strides and will continue down the path to green facilities," said Bryan Girbach, superintendent of schools.