The experience of observing students actively engaged in the learning process is precious. There is no better way to celebrate "Children's Health and Energy Awareness Month" than assembling in a world class high performance green school with gifted and talented students learning how to take an integrated approach to sustainable school improvements. The place-based learning experience process requires students to develop critical thinking and real world problem solving skills. The place-based learning experience can be the bridge between the infrastructure and instruction. This experience reveals the strength of educational facilities in optimizing sustainable resources as one of the ultimate goals. The emphasis on place-based instruction highlights the relationships with the natural and built environment and the sustainable connections and interdependency of each. This relevance is a critical component to inspiring student engagement. (Contains 1 figure.)