Story

The 5th/6th school was constructed on a 28 acre site adjacent to Kent County’s Seidman Park. The school’s mission is to offer a unique learning environment for students through a living environmental laboratory. The project was designed and constructed utilizing Green Building practices and received LEED certification from the United States Green Building Council. The following is a listing of sustainable techniques that were incorporated into the project to preserve the site’s natural features, promote energy efficiency, conserve materials and resources and promote indoor environmental quality.

·         Cellulose wall insulation made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper.

·         High efficiency windows provide superior thermal performance.

·         The towers create a natural flow of air through the building, drawing hot air up and out of the classrooms, keeping the building cool.

·         The deck was constructed from a composite wood made from recycled milk jugs and sawdust and is more slip resilient and durable.

·         All paint has a low V.O.C. levels, eliminating the odor of conventional paints.

·         Tack boards in corridors are made from 100% recycled paper products.

·         Rubberized flooring is made from 100% post-consumer recycled car tires.

·         The water-source geothermal heat pump system provides heat for a fraction of the conventional costs.

·         Direct Digital Controls monitor both indoor and outdoor condition and will automatically adjust the heating and ventilation systems accordingly.

·         Construction was planned around minimizing distribution to the natural site. 

·         Vegetation was restored on the site with native plants and grasses.

·         Construction waste was sorted into separate dumpsters and recycled.

Awards

·         United States Green Building Council LEED Certification

·         Top 10 Green School by the Green Guide