Title: Request for Workshop on the LEED Green Building Council - Benaim

Description:

We are about to embark on the continuation of an aggressive building program with the passage of the referendum, building and replacing 40 schools in our District in order to keep up with growth and reduce class size.  Energy costs are projected to begin rising at a much faster rate than previous rates in the U.S. and Florida.  We must do everything possible to keep the operating costs of our new and replaced facilities at a minimum where energy costs are concerned.

The United States Green Building Council has a construction certification system known as Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (L.E.E.D. Green Building Rating System).  Although the expense of following the LEED system increases the cost of construction, it is my impression that this expense may be recaptured within the first few years of building operation.

Recommendation:
I would like a workshop scheduled as soon as possible to inform the Board of the LEED certification process in order to determine by consensus if the LEED system should be incorporated into our building program.  Alternative building processes that can reduce energy operating costs should also be presented.

For Additional Information, contact:
Dr. Benaim