Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Governor Kasich Recognizes Commission as the World Leader in Environmentally-Friendly School Buildings

  • 10/26/17
Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor John Kasich has recognized the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) and its staff for having surpassed 300 LEED-certified K-12 schools in Ohio, more than any other state in the country and making it the world leader in environmentally-friendly buildings.

LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the world’s most widely used green building rating system. It was developed by the U.S. Green Buildings Council (USGBC), which recently announced that Ohio’s 300 K-12 certified buildings makes Ohio the nationwide leader in sustainable school construction, well ahead of second-place California (148 LEED-certified schools).  That number also exceeds total green building numbers in all other countries.

The recognition, in the form of a Governor’s Resolution, was presented to OFCC Executive Director David Williamson by Commission Chairman Timothy Keen, who is the Director of Ohio’s Office of Budget and Management.

The recognition follows an award from the USGBC, which honored OFCC during a ceremony earlier this month in Columbus.  USGBC President Manesh Ramanujam said the group “applauds Mr. Williamson and the OFCC for their commitment to Ohio’s students. By prioritizing green schools, the OFCC is leading the way and helping USGBC continue toward our vision of a sustainable built environment within a generation.”

Director Williamson noted that this has been a 10-year process for the Commission, which first mandated the use of environmentally friendly design techniques in state-funded K-12 projects back in 2007. “Our Commission has always stressed innovation and new ideas into our program,” Williamson added.  “We believe that our efforts in this area have yielded both environmental benefits and operational cost savings for public owners in Ohio. We look forward to our continued work with USGBC in this vital area.”

Ohio’s LEED-certified schools are designed to be more energy efficient, save money and reduce resource consumption. Buildings in OFCC-funded LEED projects are designed, on average, to be 33 percent more energy efficient, reduce potable water consumption by 35 percent, and provide healthier learning environments for children. The program also has an economic impact: through LEED, the OFCC has spent approximately $1.4 Billion dollars to purchase products and materials within 500 miles of each project, thus supporting the local economies.

In addition to Ohio's comprehensive public K-12 school construction and renovation program, the OFCC guides capital construction projects for state agencies and state-supported universities and community colleges. The Commission also manages grant programs for cultural facilities, community school classroom facilities, and lead plumbing fixture replacement in schools.

Featured

  • University of Washington Opens New Broadcast Studio

    The University of Washington in Seattle, Wash., recently announced the opening of Sundodger Studios, a new broadcast, production, and content facility, according to a news release. The university partnered with Anthony James Partners for the design and development of the studio, which will host about 100 live broadcasts and 120 live videoboard shows per year.

  • Longwood University Hits Construction Milestone on New Music Education Facility

    Longwood University in Farmville, Va., recently celebrated the topping out of its new music education and performance facility, according to a news release. The university partnered with development and construction firm Skanska on the 63,800-square-foot facility, which began construction in August 2025 and has an estimated completion date of fall 2028.

  • University of Pennsylvania Releases Design of Future Physical Sciences Building

    The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) in Philadelphia, Penn., recently released renderings of an upcoming 350,000-square-foot Physical Sciences Building, according to news release. The facility was designed by CO Architects and will unite the university’s departments of Physics and Astronomy, Mathematics, and Earth and Environmental Science.

  • Designing the Bridge Between Inclusivity and Independence in K–12 Schools

    Fostering independence is fundamental to learning and development for K–12 students. It offers many proven benefits, such as enhanced confidence, problem-solving, decision-making, and social skills. However, this foundational objective loses its impact if it’s not accessible and adaptable to all students. Inclusivity plays a critical role in cultivating independence and healthy autonomy for students, fostering positive student learning outcomes by uniting pedagogy with the physical learning environment.