Dec 7 2010
McKinstry, a national leader in the development of smart building systems, recently helped two schools achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Schools certification, marking the first time any school in Idaho has achieved such a qualification.
Van Buren Elementary received LEED for Schools Silver certification and Washington Elementary received LEED for Schools Gold certification.
In addition to being the design/build contractor for the schools, McKinstry worked with the Caldwell School District to develop a curriculum for K-12 students to learn about energy use and efficiency.
“Energy efficiency is critical to our long-term success in Caldwell,” said Roger Quarles, Caldwell School District Superintendent. “We are teaching the most at risk kids the importance of reducing our carbon footprint on the world in the best possible learning environment available in Idaho. We're also saving our taxpayers millions in future energy costs. These state-of-the-art buildings have high-performing features that save money in energy costs that we can put toward books and school supplies.”
The goal for the school district is to create a healthier environment for the students, teachers and staff – while simultaneously teaching the children about environmentally-friendly practices.
The LEED certifications and sustainable features provide students and faculty with:
A more healthy and productive learning environment:
- Improved air flow in the buildings increases ventilation and indoor air quality.
- Acoustical enhancements provide quieter classrooms, fewer distractions, and allow greater focus for students.
- A minimum of 90 percent day-light space throughout all classrooms and core learning spaces, as well as outdoor views for at least 90 percent of the learning spaces.
Significant financial savings:
- Water efficient landscaping uses less potable water and includes the incorporation of high-performance fixtures to maximize water efficiency.
- McKinstry commissioned the schools’ energy systems resulting in reduced energy use and lower operating costs, and provides verification that the system performs in accordance with the school’s requirements.
- McKinstry will do ongoing measurement and verification of the schools’ energy use, providing accountability of the buildings’ energy consumption over time and benefiting optimal building operation and savings in maintenance costs.
Provides hands-on learning opportunities:
- The school is a living laboratory and will incorporate the sustainable features into an educational curriculum.
- Through reinforcement of small short-term changes, the students learn how these changes can turn into larger long-term benefits through recycling, buying locally and biking to school.
- The space facilitates recycling activities.
Source: http://www.mckinstry.com