Sustainability and Integrative Design

It was clear from the resulting conversations that a lot of enthusiasm was generated by last Thursday's presentation to the board by John Boecker on "sustainable and high performance” school design. The timing could not be better as the District prepares to embark on a comprehensive master facilities plan.

Much of what follows is the result of Jim Pawelczyk's effort to capture the key concepts. So, my thanks to Jim for his co-authorship; perhaps this is precedent setting.

First, even a good idea needs to be well-executed. According to Mr. Boecker, there are three essential conditions to making this work:
1)      A commitment from the entire district (including staff, parents and students)
2)      A team of professionals experienced in sustainable design
3)      The practice of “integrative design” in our building and renovation projects

That last point deserves explanation.  Integrative design looks at the interaction between all systems at the outset.  For example, if spending additional money for windows with a high insulating value means that the entire heating system can be made smaller, we can achieve cost savings in the overall project - while lowering future energy consumption.  Even the choice of paint color is important. (Using paint with high reflectivity means fewer lights are required, at less cost, etc.)

A "green-roof" may cost more to install initially - but maybe not, if it reduces what has to be spent on the storm water drainage system.

In addition to cost, and the impact on the environment, the third part of Boecker's "values triangle" is the effect that design has on people - the teachers and students who will occupy the building. (The reason we're doing this in the first place!)  For example, orientating the school building along an east-west axis in order to maximize "day-lighting" not only reduces energy consumption (and cost), natural light improves the learning environment when done correctly.

An important side benefit is that this integrative approach to design is an excellent model for our students of "21st century skills". 

Jim- what did I miss?