GreenerBuildings.com has reported that the US Conference of Mayors, a coalition of US cities represented by their mayors, has formed a new organization called the Mayors’ Alliance for Green Schools. This eco-oriented offshoot aims to work with the US Green Building Council (USGBC) to make all US schools eco-friendly “within a generation.” As you’ll recall, the USGBC is the organization that created LEED certification, one of the most well-known ways to show the public you’re building and operating a sustainable building. The new alliance plans to partner with local businesses in helping schools to start gardens and recycle. Other objectives include implementing more state-level incentives for going green and promoting awareness of environmental issues and sustainable schools through “national dialogue.”

Will it work? Personally, I think the Mayors’ Alliance for Green Schools is a step in the right direction. Positive public exposure almost never hurts, and I’m hopeful that the new organization’s cumulative political influence can induce more states, cities and communities to adopt green incentives for schools and other entities. But change won’t happen overnight, so expect green school advocates and lawmakers to take their time before they’re officially on the same page, word, and letter.

(Photo via Morguefile)