Architect Wyck Knox takes questions from students at Discovery Elementary about the design of their new net-zero-energy school.
Photo: Lincoln Barbour Photography In Portland, Maine, the chair of a building committee dreamed of a schoolhouse that could offset the transportation energy required for students to commute to class.
In Arlington, Virginia, a school architect argued he could reduce energy costs without increasing his budget.
In Cambridge, Massachusetts, the school district, inspired by a climate action plan adopted by the City Council, requested project proposals with a sustainable wish-list.
Each—through sometimes surprising turns—resulted in the pursuit of a net-zero-energy school. It is rare that a building trend is so closely tied to one building type. But aside from homes, more schools have targeted net-zero energy than any other sector. By one count, there are 191 school projects in North America that have pursued net-zero energy.
With their traditionally short operating calendars and lack of intensive energy loads, schools are relatively approachable candidates for net-zero-energy goals. But is there more behind this trend?
Originally published June 6, 2017Reviewed February 11, 2022 Permalink Citation
Pearson, C. (2022, February 11). Why Schools Are Embracing Net-Zero Energy. Retrieved from https://www.buildinggreen.com/feature/why-schools-are-embracing-net-zero-energy
