ZERO ENERGY FOR SCHOOLS
“Set a target and hit it”
NEW SCHOOLS
Today typical school buildings can be built to zero energy performance levels without extraordinary efforts and without extra cost. It all starts with a principled commitment from school officials to reach zero energy performance levels in new projects. Next the design team must set the energy footprint target.
The world of zero energy buildings is quickly morphing into zero carbon buildings. In the real world, what that means is “no combustion” in the building.
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See our existing schools case studies, guides, and resources.
Image: Bruce Damonte, ZNE Case Studies, Volume 1, Case Study 2, Sacred Heart Elementary School
EXISTING SCHOOLS
Elementary and high school buildings are very good candidates for achieving ZNE design and performance because they are generally one or two stories in height with good opportunities for daylighting and sufficient roof area for the right-sized solar photovoltaic system.
Although more difficult than with new construction, renovating existing school buildings to zero energy performance levels is often achievable.
Renovations of this nature yield much more than simple system replacements and higher energy savings: the result is a superior learning environment for children and a healthier facility for students, faculty and staff.
LEARN MORE:
Existing Schools Case Studies
