Schools across the U.S. are going green

(WIVB) - Schools across the country are taking steps to go green and teachers said it's making a difference in the classroom.

President Obama has pushed going green as a way to create jobs. Recently, The House of Representatives has approved $6.4 billion to turn America's schools into more energy efficient, green buildings, and one school in Alexandria, Virginia is already leading the way.

The machine is nick-named a nuclear hand dryer, even a waterless urinal, students go with the eco-friendly flow at TC Williams High School in Alexandria, Virginia.
 
"This yogurt right here, this could actually, if it would have been washed out, could have been recycled."

Measuring their trash, to see if they can reduce it a so-called raingarden, a giant, earthen storm drain designed to sop up pollutants from runoff.
 
Antifreeze, oils, things like that, that are normally introduced on streets."

Rainwater gets recycled, solar panels, and a vinyl-like cover keeps the roof ten degrees cooler. School officials believe daylight improves student performance, test scores and attitudes.
 
"They really do respect the facility, and it has really made a difference in student academic achievement."
 
But going green takes green. 2-5 percent more than conventional buildings, in this case about $2 million. Still, supporters said it pays off. "The typical green school saves $100,000 a year on direct operating expenses. In school terms, that's enough to hire two new teachers, purchase 200 new computers or 5,000 textbooks."

The school featured also has specially-glazed windows. They cut down on the heat from sunlight streaming in, providing natural light to interior hallways, light that's both energy-efficient and has educational benefits.