New York Adopts High-Performance Schools Guidelines

The New York State Education Department and New York State Energy and Research Development Authority have released final guidelines for high-performance schools. Based on the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) guidelines developed in California, the voluntary New York guidelines (called NY-CHPS) have been adapted to reflect state codes as well as heating and cooling needs based on the state’s climate. A proposed addition to a high school in East Hampton, New York, was the first project designed using the guidelines; features include an energy-efficient building envelope, a reflective roof, daylighting, and water conservation efforts in plumbing and landscaping. A downloadable version of the guidelines is available at http://emsc33.nysed.gov/facplan/.