A "green" school uses key resources like energy, water, materials and land much more efficiently than buildings that are simply built to meet the building code. "Green" schools create healthier learning and work environments, with more natural light and cleaner air, and contribute to improved student and employee health, comfort and productivity.

The building committee for the new elementary school in Williamstown valued these qualities and selected an architect with experience designing green schools. The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative provided a $500,000 grant to install solar panels and contribute to other green design and building features.