School districts and local governments nationwide have created policies ensuring their new and newly renovated schools are green. Here are some examples.

New Jersey public schools

Gov. James McGreevey on July 29, 2002, signed Executive Order No. 24 requiring all new schools to incorporate LEED guidelines in new construction.

Pennsylvania public schools

In July 2005, the Pennsylvania Legislature passed an amendment to the Public School Code to provide a financial incentive to public school districts that achieve LEED-Silver certification.

On April 25, 2006, school districts in Allegheny, Montgomery, Perry, Philadelphia, Westmoreland, Erie and Delaware counties were awarded grants as part of the Green Schools Grant Program

Cincinnati, Ohio, public schools

On Sept. 10, 2007, the Cincinnati Board of Education adopted green guidelines for its future public school projects. The resolution call on all new Cincinnati public schools to strive for LEED-Silver, requiring a minimum of four schools to achieve LEED-Silver and one additional school to achieve either LEED-Gold or LEED-Platinum status.

Illinois public schools

On Aug. 24, 2007, the Illinois Senate amended the School Construction Law, directing the Capital Development Board to issue grants only to school projects with certification from LEED for Schools or a comparable rating system, or to projects that meet the standards set forth by the Capital Development Board's Green Advisory Committee.

Syracuse, N.Y., public schools

On Sept. 10, 2007, the Syracuse Common Council adopted the Green Building Ordinance, which requires all new municipal construction and major renovations, including public school projects, to meet LEED-Silver.