Becoming Sustainability Natives.

MIDDLE schools; SUSTAINABLE buildings; OBAMA, Sasha, 2001-; OBAMA, Malia, 1998-; OBAMA, Barack, 1961-; U.S. Green Building Council

The article provides information on Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C., the first middle school to receive a Platinum rating from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The children of U.S. President Barack Obama, Malia and Sasha, were enrolled in Sidwell in January 2009. The school wanted to integrate environmental stewardship into teaching and life, in keeping with Sidwell's Quaker philosophy. The windows are positioned to fill the building with natural light while reducing glare, and to lower heating and air conditioning costs. Natural ventilation and chemical-free construction materials ensure fresh air.