Ohio LEED schools and academic performance: A panel study, 2006-2016

This study investigates the effect that Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) had on academic performance using a difference-in-differences (DID) estimator using data from the years 2006-2016. By obtaining data from the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, this investigation examines the effect that LEED design had on the Student Performance Index for schools that opened in the year 2012. Each LEED school was matched with a non-LEED school based on several criteria. The study determined that LEED did not have an impact on the Student Performance Index. Though we find no relationship, green schools do provide educational opportunities that standard buildings do not. We suggest that the state of Ohio should take advantage of potentially untapped opportunities in their green schools program that could enhance both social and ecological sustainability.