Buildings or developments that are verified and certified as “net zero operational energy and/or carbon.” The building should demonstrate the highest levels of energy efficiency with the use of either renewables generated onsite or renewable energy procured offsite.
Bishop O’Dowd High School’s Center for Environmental Studies (CES) is home to the school’s environmental science and engineering program. Designed to complement the Living Lab—a 4.5-acre hillside restoration site, ecological study area, and wildlife habitat at the perimeter of the campus—a new building and landscape elements tie the Living Lab to the campus core. The new academic building features two large laboratory classrooms, a faculty office and prep space, restrooms and storage. Sustainable building systems and materials—locally sourced, renewable building materials; roof-mounted photovoltaic panels for renewable power; on-site collection and treatment of storm water, and rainwater harvesting— are showcased and easily accessed to serve as teaching tools. A 4,000 gallon above ground rainwater cistern is located next to the building. Inside the building there is filtration and ultraviolet disinfection prior to the water being used for toilet flushing. This building not only operates at ZNE but is built with transparent systems serving as a real teaching tool for the students.
“Sustainable building systems and materials—locally sourced, renewable building materials; roof-mounted photovoltaic panels for renewable power; on-site collection and treatment of storm water, and rainwater harvesting— are showcased and easily accessed to serve as teaching tools.”