Net-zero may seem beyond the budgets of most K-12 school districts, but a couple of trailblazers have found the means to construct schools designed to produce as much power as they use.
The new $20 million, 88,693-sf Colonel Smith Middle School in Ft. Huachuca, Ariz., takes daylighting to the highest level. Every regularly occupied space has a window, skylight, or clerestory glazing for layered daylighting. To hold down the cooling load, the building obtains most of its sunlight from the north sky through clerestory windows. On the south exterior wall, exterior overhangs prevent direct solar exposure in the summer, while allowing passive solar heating in winter. Locker rooms and other support spaces have shaded high-wall translucent fiberglass panels to provide privacy. Lighting energy use is expected to be 80% less than that of a standard school building.
Energy is recovered from locker room exhaust to pre-heat or pre-cool supply air delivered to locker rooms. Solar panels heat domestic water for locker rooms and the kitchen. PVs were obtained through a power purchase agreement. “We didn’t have net-zero in mind when we were starting out,” notes Dr. Ronda Frueauff, Superintendent of the Ft. Huachuca Accommodation School District. That changed as the design committee evaluated the affordability of each green element. Only geothermal was ruled out as cost-prohibitive.
Geothermal is, however, a key component of the Lady Bird Johnson Middle School in Irving, Texas, with 530 geothermal wells and 105 water-source heat pumps. The school is powered by 2,988 rooftop solar panels and 12 wind turbines. Opened in August 2011, the $29 million, 152,000-sf school cost about 12% more to build than one of traditional construction. School officials expect to recoup their investment in 10-12 years.
“We didn’t have net-zero in mind when we were starting out.”
--Dr. Ronda Frueauff, Superintendent of the Ft. Huachuca Accommodation School District.
Both schools incorporate green features into lesson plans. The Texas school features museum-type displays along the main hallway highlighting geothermal, solar, and wind technology, along with water efficiency. Students can get a close-up view of the PVs from a roof observation deck.
Getting to net-zero is not easy, but the promise of eliminating energy bills and using state-of-the-art technology as a learning lab can make a compelling case to reach for net-zero. +
Related Stories
Security and Life Safety | Jul 5, 2022
What AEC firms should look for in a cybersecurity partner
When looking for expert partners in cybersecurity, AEC firms will find quite a lot of companies claiming to be at the forefront of modern threats. Here are five key points to look for when choosing a cybersecurity firm.
Performing Arts Centers | Jul 5, 2022
Tour the new Patricia Reser Center for the Arts in Oregon
This month, the community of Beaverton, Oregon, welcomed a new haven for artistic expression with the opening of Patricia Reser Center for the Arts (The Reser).
Building Team | Jul 5, 2022
Dallas’ Fair Park, home to the State Fair of Texas, will place a park atop a new parking garage
A registered National Historic Landmark, Fair Park is the 227-acre home to the Texas State Fair and various cultural institutions in Dallas, Tex.
Market Data | Jul 1, 2022
Nonresidential construction spending slightly dips in May, says ABC
National nonresidential construction spending was down by 0.6% in May, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Building Team | Jul 1, 2022
How to apply WELL for better design outcomes
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) cites attracting top talent, increasing productivity, and improving environmental, social or governance (ESG) performance as key outcomes of leveraging tools like their WELL Building Standard to develop healthier environments.
Building Team | Jul 1, 2022
Less portable potty, more movable restroom
Some contractors are packing up their portable potties and instead using the H3 Wellness Hub.
Market Data | Jun 30, 2022
Yardi Matrix releases new national rent growth forecast
Rents in most American cities continue to rise slightly each month, but are not duplicating the rapid escalation rates exhibited in 2021.
Headquarters | Jun 30, 2022
Lenovo to build its new global headquarters in Beijing
Washington, D.C.-based architecture and design firm CallisonRTKL has announced it will create the new global headquarters in Beijing for Lenovo Group, a Chinese multinational personal technology company.
Mass Timber | Jun 29, 2022
Mass timber competition: building to net-zero winning proposals
The 2022 Mass Timber Competition: Building to Net-Zero is a design competition to expand the use of mass timber in the United States by demonstrating its versatility across building types and its ability to reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment.
Laboratories | Jun 29, 2022
The "collaboratory" brings digital innovation to the classroom
The Collaboratory—a mix of collaboration and laboratory—is a networking center being designed at the University of Denver’s College of Business.