Education officials said Friday Ewa Makai Middle School achieved "gold" certification for its sustainable construction, design and operation.
The school opened to students in January. It originally had "silver" certification under Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design guidelines. But the U.S. Green Building Council later determined the school had enough points to move up to gold status.
Environmentally friendly features of the school include an air-conditioning system that follows the council’s guidelines and energy-efficient lighting.
Hawaii Department of Education officials say the school has the potential to save up to $22,000 annually in utility costs.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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