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Sustainable Overview- Two-level school compresses building footprint, increasing green space for the learning environment
- The landscaping slopes toward the bioswale system, minimize the intensity of the water runoff
- Maximizing of water infiltration into the soil for water filtering
- Low-slope roof spaces were constructed with highly-reflective materials, decreasing heat gain into the building
- New, white concrete paving minimizes heat gain in the building and surrounding neighborhood
- Mechanical system package units reduce overall energy consumption, minimize sound pollution and eliminate the use of water for building cooling, reducing annual water consumption
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Water Efficiency- Native landscaping was selected and planted for drought resistance and low maintenance characteristics
- Annual water consumption reduced by 37% with water efficient plumbing fixtures throughout the building
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Energy & Atmosphere- Commissioning agent appointed during the schematic design phase to ensure building systems efficiency
- 24.6% annual energy savings achieved through energy-efficient lighting and mechanical system
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Materials & Resources- Nearly 82% of construction waste was diverted from landfill through a recycling program
- 41% of the total building materials contain recycled content
- 50% of building materials were manufactured and extracted within 500 miles of the project site
- 91% of wood is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, supporting responsible forest management
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Indoor Environmental Quality- Each room provides a comfortable thermal environment, increasing occupant performance and attendance
- Insulated, low-emitting window glazing improves radiant heat transfer, allowing daylight into class spaces
- Only low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) sealants, paints, and wood products used in construction
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Innovation in Design- 10-foot high ceilings to allow more daylight with less dependence on artificial lighting and exposure
- The building is surrounded by a landscaped bio-swale open drainage system
- Engineered soil, special filtration pipe, and other components of bio-swale system clean and filter water as it moves across the site while appearing as attractive landscape and green space features
- Exemplary levels were achieved on Recycled Content and Vegetated Open Space Criteria surpassing LEED requirements in an effort to reduce environmental impacts
- HISD has implemented a Green Cleaning Program to reduce the exposure of the children and staff to hazardous chemical contaminants that impact the environment and occupant well being
