http://www.ykpaoschool.cn/images/news_school_15.jpgEnglish）" TITLE="绿色校园-空中花园（in English）" />Putting their money where their mouths are, some international schools are retrofitting and expanding their campuses with energy savings and sustainability in mind – giving students a firsthand look at how green theory works in practice.

CONSTRUCTION DUST is everywhere in Shanghai these days, and schools are offering no respite. They’ve been expanding their campuses in droves in recent years, and many are taking the opportunity to go green in the process. Recent examples include the Shanghai American School, British International School of Shanghai, Western International School of Shanghai (WISS), Concordia International School of Shanghai (CISS) and Shanghai Community International School (SCIS).  

http://www.ykpaoschool.cn/images/news_school_26.jpgEnglish）" TITLE="绿色校园-空中花园（in English）" />YK Pao School has the luxury of looking at existing examples of green campuses, as it’s in the process of planning its new primary school facilities on Wuding Road. “Sustainability is high on our list of priorities,” noted Philip Sohmen, Chairman. “We plan to feature a wildlife and green garden, gray water recycling, composting, green roofs, and solar panel heating for our swimming pool.”
 
The campus site, close to city center, will allow teachers and students to have a shorter commutes and offers the option of public transportation. “We’re encouraging students not to come by car if possible,” said Mr. Sohmen. The school is also researching the cost and viability of recycled and sustainable building materials such as bamboo, and carpets made of recycled goods.

YK Pao is also planning a secondary school on a greenfield site on a plot of about 200 acres in Jinshan. “It will be a boarding school and will likely feature a ground source heat-exchange system and as many of the original trees as possible,” said Mr. Sohmen. The site will also have organic green gardens and solar water heating. Although the visions for the campus are big, Mr. Sohmen is quick to note that what you don’t do is as important as what you do. “The most sustainable thing you can do is build less.”