How Green is Wake County Public School System?
January 31, 2008 - WCPSS continues to set high environmental standards on its existing and future school sites by choosing to build moreHigh Performance Guidelines and LEED Report (11.8 MB Acrobat File) Listen to Jyoti Sharma talk about green schools (10 minute MP3 File) |
“For several years, WCPSS has strived to go above and beyond standard requirements by creating buildings that are environmentally responsible. Becoming LEED Certified is that next step to recognize the effort,” said Facilities Design and Construction Senior Director Jyoti Sharma.
In addition to delivering lower energy and water bills and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Sharma says green schools provide optimal learning environments for students. “They offer significant improvement to the health and well-being of students and staff. Research has shown that there is a link between increased student performances and green schools,” said Sharma.
The Facilities Committee reviewed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program at its meeting on January 29. To receive one of the four levels of LEED certification—Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum—performance must be measured in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.
WCPSS demonstrates performance in all five of these areas. For example, most new schools include: waterless urinals to reduce water use by 20 percent; a special roof deck and tight building interior to reduce energy use by 20 to 30 percent; the use of new materials with recycled content; carbon dioxide monitors and controls; low volatile organic compounds paint, adhesive, and sealants; and re-usable prototype designs.
WCPSS has been building green schools since January 2001, after implementing the High Performance Design Guidelines for all new schools. These guidelines were recommended by a group formed jointly by WCPSS and the Triangle J Council of Governments and have provided recommendations for the design and construction of efficient, cost-effective, durable, and environmentally sound buildings and landscapes.
While not formally certified, currently 19 schools and 3 prototypes have been designated as green schools and meet one of three various levels of the High Performance Design Guidelines, which are Bronze, Silver and Gold.
Bronze |
Silver |
Gold |
Carpenter Elementary Cary Elementary Forestville Elementary Kingswood Elementary Banks Road Elementary M9 Middle Prototype. M10 Middle Prototype. Holly Springs High Millbrook High Heritage High
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Apex Elementary Barwell Rd Elementary Douglas Elementary Harris Creek Elementary Holly Ridge Elementary Laurel Park Elementary Sycamore Creek Elementary Mills Park Elementary Knightdale High H6 – New High School Prototype |
Heritage Middle Cary High (CIP 2006 addition)
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