The Idaho schools which received the ‘green’ certification are Van Buren Elementary, which received LEED for Schools Silver certification; and Washington Elementary, which received LEED for Schools Gold certification. Both the schools are under the Caldwell School District.
In addition to being the design/build contractor for the schools, McKinstry worked with the Caldwell School District to develop a curriculum for K-12 students to learn about energy use and efficiency.
The goal for the school district is to create a healthier environment for the students, teachers and staff, while simultaneously teaching children about environment-friendly practices. The sustainable features incorporated into both the educational facilities provide students and faculty with a more healthy and productive learning environment. This is achieved by way of improved air flow that increases ventilation and indoor air quality; acoustical enhancements that provide quieter classrooms, fewer distractions, and allow greater focus for students; and a minimum of 90% day-light space throughout all classrooms and core learning spaces, as well as outdoor views for at least 90% of the learning spaces.
Significant financial savings are attained by adhering to environmentally-friendly practices. Water-efficient landscaping uses less potable water and includes the incorporation of high-performance fixtures to maximize water efficiency. McKinstry commissioned the schools’ energy systems that helped reduce energy use and lower operating costs, and provided verification that the system performs in accordance with the school’s requirements. McKinstry will conduct ongoing measurement and verification of the schools’ energy use, providing accountability of the energy consumption of the buildings over time and benefiting optimal building operation and savings in maintenance costs.
The green design of the schools provides hands-on learning opportunities. The school is conceived as a living laboratory and will incorporate the sustainable features into an educational curriculum. Through reinforcement of small short-term changes, the students learn how these changes can turn into larger long-term benefits through recycling, buying locally and biking to school. Another important benefit is that the space facilitates recycling activities.
McKinstry specializes in consulting, construction, energy and facility services. The firm’s integrated delivery methodology provides clients with a single point of accountability that drives waste and redundancy out of the design/build process.
