During an official groundbreaking ceremony May 11, Irving ISD Board of Trustees and senior administration began construction on what will become the largest net zero middle school in the
During the groundbreaking, planners who worked with IISD staff to develop the concept were recognized: Susan Smith, vice president of architect firm Corgan Associates, Inc.; Don Penn, president of consulting engineer firm IEG Engineers; and Charlie Devoe, president of construction contractor Charter Builders. Amanda Childress-Kannan, executive director of the U.S. Green Building Council of North Texas (USGBC), spoke regarding the facility’s impact on today’s youth and environmental education.
A net zero energy building is one that produces as much energy as it consumes. Through efficiency technologies and on-site power generation, the use of renewable energies allows the building to produce as much energy as it consumes from the electric grid. In the event of excess production, energy could be sold back to the electric provider, creating a revenue source for the district.
The net zero school will reinforce teaching and learning as it becomes an extended classroom. Because of the use of efficient materials and cutting-edge renewable energy technology, the building becomes a three-dimensional learning space. Students will learn through practical, hands-on experiences. Issues such as geothermal science, rainwater collection, solar panel usage, and wind turbine efficiency will help students learn responsibility for energy conservation.
According to
