The LEED for Schools green building rating system will be the focus of a pre-conference workshop at the Green California Schools Summit in Pasadena.

The LEED for Schools Rating System focuses on the design and construction of K-12 schools. Based on the LEED for New Construction rating system, it addresses issues such as classroom acoustics, master planning, mold prevention and environmental site assessment. Launched in spring 2007, currently there are 60 LEED-certified schools nationwide.

The workshop will explore strategies geared at promoting green schools and encouraging district-wide adoptions of green building programs.

"Twenty percent of America goes to school each day," says Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, USGBC.  "We owe it to our children - the future leaders of our world - the opportunity to live and learn in healthy, comfortable and safe structures."

The Green California Schools Summit is the first major event in California to address all aspects of the state's high performance schools - from planning, building and operations, to curriculum and "green culture."

"This is the first major opportunity that we've had in California to focus completely on K-12 schools in terms of the potential for energy savings and sustainability," says David Thorman, California state architect.

As seen on FacilitiesNet.com.