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Fundamentals by LEED Lab

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What is the “Fundamentals by LEED Lab” program?

Developed from the former Building Learners program, Fundamentals by LEED Lab is an experiential learning program that utilizes the “building as a teaching tool” model to engage students in green building education through their school’s building performance. Students learn about building science with curated curricular resources, then gain applied learning through exploration of their school’s operations and maintenance using Arc.

How does the program work?

The program combines curricular resources, building performance monitoring, and student action and engagement, and is structured to provide a framework that blends these program elements while allowing adaptability and flexibility for it to be implemented across a range of grade levels and participant scopes.

USGBC provides a program toolkit to help facilitate program planning, which typically takes 1-2 semesters before implementation with students. Participating schools will need to coordinate across all program elements with relevant stakeholders including teaching staff, facilities and operation staff, sustainability staff, and administrators. Program implementation will combine classroom learning, sustainable operations, and student engagement with building performance.

How is the Fundamentals by LEED Lab different from the LEED Lab program?

Fundamentals by LEED Lab is part of the overall LEED Lab brand, which is a collection of programs that utilize building performance and/or project certification for student engagement and learning. The LEED Lab program is designed for higher education students, through which students learn about green building science through academic instruction and then apply this learning by participating as part of the LEED project team supporting certification.

Fundamentals by LEED Lab adapts this program framework for the K12 audience and learning level, removing technical barriers for both students and the school. Rather than requiring participation on an actual LEED project, students can explore and support building performance on a more approachable level using Arc and age-appropriate curriculum and activities.

Who can participate in the Fundamentals by LEED Lab program?

This program is available to K12, primary, and secondary schools globally. Individual schools, cohorts of schools, or school districts may participate in the Fundamentals by LEED Lab program.

How does my school or district participate in this program?

Please submit an inquiry if you are interested in program participation, and a member of the USGBC Education team will be in touch to schedule a discovery call to learn more. If possible, please include some preliminary information about your school’s prior engagement with LEED and USGBC, the volume of students you might expect to be involved, and other information you feel is relevant to your school’s participation in the program.

What is included in program participation and what resources are available for the program?

USGBC provides a program toolkit and suite of resources to support building performance, use of Arc, student learning and engagement, and overall program planning and implementation.

How much does it cost to participate in this program?

There is no fee to participate in this program, but schools will be responsible for fees associated with Arc, building certification, USGBC membership, and education and credentialing products.

Though Arc is free to use for performance monitoring, there are costs associated the Arc Essentials service and Arc Performance Certificates. Other program costs could include the Green Classroom Professional certificate, LEED credentials, and rating system certification.

What are the student learning outcomes of the Fundamentals by LEED Lab program?

Student learning objectives for this program include:

  • Foundational education about sustainability, green building, and building science
  • Applied learning with building design, operations, and maintenance engagement
  • Skills and leadership development
  • Career exploration and preparation through the knowledge and experience gained, and a greater understanding of career connections to program activities
  • Program learning and participation helps to prepare students for LEED or other green building credentials

What are the building performance benefits of the Fundamentals by LEED Lab program?

This program can help schools and education facilities realize the following benefits:

  • Enhanced awareness and monitoring of building performance, creating opportunities for improvements
  • Operational savings through reduced utilities usage and materials expenditures
  • Creation of health education environments to improve student learning and occupant satisfaction and health
  • Professional development opportunities for teaching and facilities staff with USGBC education and credentialing resources
  • Promotional opportunities with USGBC (article or case study features)

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