The growing trend of "green building" has not left the Israeli school system behind, as more schools, especially newly built and planned classrooms, are observing eco-friendly methods. The new school year, which began Monday, saw the Kfar Saba Green School open its gates for the first time. This state-of-the-art building has even been awarded the prestigious United States LEED's Gold Standard certification. Architect David Knafo, who designed the building, made sure to include various energy and water conservation features, while creating airy and well-lit classrooms. The school, which stretches across three acres, includes classrooms, laboratories, a library and an administrative building, surrounding a spacious courtyard. Kfar Saba Green School (Photos: Knafo Klimor Architects) Jonathan Meiri, an associate at Knafo Klimor Architects, said that the challenge was designing a building that will be comfortable sans things like air conditioners – a virtual must in Israel's climate. The school was built using the "cave effect" – a special method the keeps the temperature inside cool and constant, using a geothermic heat pump that runs water to heat or cool the building, according to the season. While building the school, the contactor was instructed to use only eco-friendly materials, and all the waste produced during the construction was recycled. The project cost some NIS 26 million (roughly $6.5 million). City official Yehuda Ben Hemo told Ynet that there are only 100 "LEED GOLD" schools in the world today. "We're very proud to be included in this prestigious list," he added. 'Green building stalled' Israel is still lagging behind other western countries when it comes to green building. While in the US and Canada new public buildings have made to adhere to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards for years, proper regulation in Israel was installed only in July 2011. Still, the lack of regulations "on the books" does not mean lack of action: According to the Israeli Green Building Council (ILGBC), many academic institutions have filed for green building permits even before the regulation was put in place. According to Karmit Lior of the ILGBC, two new schools were recently granted permits under the new regulation, which details mandatory thermal installations, energy-saving features, air filters and smart-lights. Schools applying for green permits will also be made to prove that all the construction materials have been certified as eco-friendly and that all waste created in the process is recycled. Studies done worldwide have discovered that green building is beneficial not only for the environment, but also for their residents. The United States Center for Green Schools surveyed 1,000 eco-schools in 2011 and discovered that both the students and the teachers were in better health and that the students' performance improved by 15% – thanks to the better light and ventilation. Shades of green Despite efforts made by various schools to go green, the Israeli Green Building Council aspires to see only those that truly adhere to the regulation be defined as "green buildings." "The certification practiced today isn’t indicative to the quality of the structure," Lior explained. "Not every school with an ecology program is 'green.'" The ILGBC hopes that more schools, across the entire academic spectrum, will follow the growing trend. "The market will support this trend," Lior said. ILGBC Director-General Hila Beinish added that "Schools that incorporate green building elements and a green curriculum do more than just benefit the environment – they inspire the younger generation to practice environmental sustainability." Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter