The CHPS criteria, published in 2002, established the nation’s first building rating program specifically intended to assist schools in designing sound, environmentally responsible learning spaces.
While the program started in California, it has now expanded to other states, including New York, Washington, Maryland, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine, and Connecticut.
The CHPS Board of Directors and Technical Committee consist of national representatives from a range of sectors involved in school design, construction and operation.
[6] These increased efficiencies save money on utility bills and are so valuable that some organizations will provide building owners with funds to have them included in the design.
[7] Furthermore, healthier environments can bring money into the school by lowering absenteeism and increasing funding based on average daily attendance.
[6] These financial, health, and productivity benefits are the result of integrated design: understanding how building elements affect one another to optimize the performance of the entire school.
The manual was developed through a consensus process with the assistance of school officials, state agencies, industry representatives and design professionals.