This fall, the Kathleen Grimm School for Leadership and Sustainability at Sandy Ground was opened and dedicated on Staten Island, N.Y. It is the city’s first net-zero energy school.
Designed by SOM and built by the Leon D. DeMatteis Construction Corporation, the 68,000-sf primary school will produce as much energy as it uses on an annual basis. It will comply with the NYC School Construction Authority’s Green Schools Guide, a rating system for New York City public schools that mirrors the LEED certification process. The school will have a 50% reduction in energy use compared to other new NYC public school buildings.
Photovoltaic panels on a sloped roof will produce 662,500 kWh of energy. Skylights and reflective ceiling panels bring in natural light. The Grimm School also has energy recovery ventilators, demand-control ventilation, a geo-exchange heating and cooling system, and a solar thermal system for hot water.
The building has a gym, library, cafeteria, and offices, with playgrounds on the north and south sides. It sits on 3.5 acres of land, and is configured into an L shape that allows for more natural light exposure.
Related Stories
| Dec 2, 2014
Nonresidential construction spending rebounds in October
This month's increase in nonresidential construction spending is far more consistent with the anecdotal information floating around the industry, says ABC's Chief Economist Anirban Basu.
Sponsored | | Nov 26, 2014
What’s in a coating?
A beautiful coating on metal products can make a strong statement, whether used on a high-end commercial project or an industrial building. SPONSORED CONTENT
| Nov 17, 2014
Nearly two years after Sandy Hook, the bloodshed continues
It’s been almost two years since 20 first-graders were shot and killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., but these incidents, both planned and random, keep occurring, writes BD+C's Robert Cassidy.
K-12 Schools | Nov 6, 2014
New Sandy Hook school features could influence security standards
The design of the new Sandy Hook Elementary School on the site of the 2012 Newtown, Conn., school shooting features enhanced security measures—some subtle and others more prominent.
| Nov 3, 2014
ASSA ABLOY announces sponsorship of Safe and Sound Initiative
ASSA ABLOY, the global leader in door opening solutions, has signed on as a platinum sponsor of Safe and Sound, an organization founded by families directly affected by the December 14, 2012 tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
Sponsored | | Oct 29, 2014
Historic Washington elementary school incorporates modular design
More and more architects and designers are leveraging modern modular building techniques for expansion projects planned on historical sites. SPONSORED CONTENT
| Oct 26, 2014
Study asks: Do green schools improve student performance?
A study by DLR Group and Colorado State University attempts to quantify the student performance benefits of green schools.
| Oct 21, 2014
Check out BD+C's GreenZone Environment Education Classroom debuting this week at Greenbuild
At the conclusion of the show, the modular classroom structure will be moved to a permanent location in New Orleans' Lower 9th Ward, where it will serve as a community center and K-12 classroom.
| Oct 16, 2014
Perkins+Will white paper examines alternatives to flame retardant building materials
The white paper includes a list of 193 flame retardants, including 29 discovered in building and household products, 50 found in the indoor environment, and 33 in human blood, milk, and tissues.
Sponsored | | Oct 16, 2014
Mill Brook Elementary School colors outside the lines with creative fire-rated framing solution
Among the building elements contributing to the success of the elementary school’s public learning areas is a fire-rated stairwell that supports the school’s vision for collaboration. HMFH Architects designed the stairwell to be bright and open, reflecting the playful energy of students. SPONSORED CONTENT