To support our design partners to help us build more innovative and sustainable schools, we've developed Green Building Guiding Principles and updated our technical specifications to reflect our sustainability values. New construction will use the LEED rating system to guide design and strive to achieve a gold standard.
BVSD's Sustainable Energy Plan sets ambitious goals for reducing energy use and controlling costs long term. Energy efficiency is a priority focus of the sustainability work outlined in the master plan.
New construction will strive to be zero net energy (ZNE) or zero net energy capable (ZNEC). A zero net energy building produces as much energy through renewable sources as it uses. ZNEC buildings are designed to be as energy efficient as possible and to allow for the future installation of renewable energy generators such as wind turbines or photovoltaic panels.
Existing buildings will receive much-needed repair and upgrades for heating, ventilation and cooling systems (HVAC) that will improve performance and efficiency. The large scale of this work also creates the opportunity to perform integrated design and retro-commissioning. Integrated design is a whole building analysis that brings together a multi-discipline team of professionals to identify opportunities to make other improvements in the building and mechanical and electrical systems to further reduce energy use. Retro-commissioning ensures mechanical systems are running as designed by reviewing programming and identifying needed repairs. Other upgrades intended to boost energy efficiency include installing LED lighting in some locations, particularly gyms; replacing old, inefficient boilers with efficient models, replacing windows and installing pipe insulation.
MATERIALS AND WASTE REDUCTION
BVSD's Green Building Guiding Principles and the LEED system call for diverting construction waste from landfills through recycling and reuse. In addition, materials used in the renovations and new construction will contain recycled or renewable materials and will be recyclable as well as low VOC and non-toxic.
INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Efforts to improve ventilation systems and use non-toxic materials will benefit indoor air quality and overall comfort for building occupants. Hand in hand with the bond work to improve indoor air quality, the district is working with the University of Tulsa Indoor Air Program to undertake a district-wide indoor air quality program as described in the EPA's Tools for Schools kit.
In addition, projects will support our educational mission by striving to incorporate teachable moments such as lessons about the construction work in the school and energy efficient or sustainable features; designing features that teach, such as a truth wall; and including student groups in the design and construction process.