Last month, DISD continued to illustrate their commitment to sustainability by being the first District in the State of Texas to adopt the TX-CHPS program. These requirements will impact the design and construction projects that are part of the 2008 Bond Program. DISD recognized that the 1.35 billion dollar bond program presented a unique opportunity to further their sustainable design and construction methods, with the intent of supporting teaching and learning, reduce operating costs, elevating teacher and staff retention, and improving the indoor environment b providing cleaner air, better acoustics and more natural light.

The Texas Collaborative for High Performance Schools (TX-CHPS) is a comprehensive and complete design criteria that is based upon the latest information available in sustainable school design, construction, and operations. Schools designed to meet the TX-CHPS criteria incorporate environmental features that provide a context for learning. TX-CHPS is similar to LEED for Schools, but is specific to the Texas climate rather than being a national standard. DISD currently has two LEED certified schools.

Starting with projects in the 2008 Bond program, DISD will endeavor to meet or exceed the TX-CHPS qualifying threshold for New Schools, New Buildings on an Existing Campus, Major Modernization Projects, and Portable Classrooms. All operations, maintenance and minor modernization projects will also use TX-CHPS Best Practices where feasible. Additionally, DISD will further participate in the program as a TX-CHPS Registered School District.

We congratulate DISD on their continued leadership role of sustainable building design, construction and operations, and hope to see other school districts in our area follow their lead.

Click here to read more about DISD's sustainable policy.