Schrock on LEED
Mike Schrock is a Minneapolis-based architect whose design of an Elk River school is aiming for LEED certification. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or LEED is a "nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings." To go for the green, architects' efforts are graded. In the above photo, Schrock peers out a classroom window manufactured by Sage Electrochromics. The Fairbault, Minnesota company's high-tech product provides shade without curtains or blinds and is being tested at the school. "It's too expensive to be practical right now," Schrock says.

I recently toured the school with Schrock to get his thoughts on green design. "LEED drives a lot of the design," Schrock says. "There's so much decided before you start your building. I think that's really confining for a lot of architects, but I really like it."

Out of a possible 69 points, Schrock's Elk River school hopes to attain 39 points, enough for a gold certification. Listen to the full interview at iTunes or online. (Photo by Todd Melby)