mmarincic posted on May 20, 2011 12:43
Contractors gained eco-friendly certification for the three new schools from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) by using green alternatives.
LEED uses rating systems to evaluate building projects based on criteria such as the installation of green technology and promotion of eco-friendly habits.
“We want to build the most efficient buildings that we can,” Superintendent Dean Wittwer said. “Heating and cooling over the life of the building will be much more energy-efficient.”
In addition to efficient heating and cooling, designs for the schools include multiple eco-friendly features.
· Rainwater retention cistern
Large reservoirs at Glenwood Middle School and Millstream will collect rainwater and filter it for use in restrooms.
· Energy-efficient lighting
LED lights will use daylight harvesting and occupancy sensors to dim and brighten as sunlight increases and decreases and to turn themselves off when no one is in the room, reducing electricity usage.
· Geothermal wells
These pipes carry fluid underground where the earth’s heat warms it to approximately 58° F. Then the liquid is either heated or cooled before being pumped through the building.
Since most heat comes from the earth, this system requires less natural gas, cutting temperature control costs by 40-50 percent according to Wittwer.
· Chilled beam
In this cooling system, which is more efficient than air conditioning, cold water runs through a pipe hanging from the ceiling to chill the air.