Baltimore City 21st Century Schools Program

Lorax was selected as the Prime LEED Consultant for the $1.1 billion Baltimore City Public Schools Construction Program.  The program includes the renovation or replacement of multiple city public schools to meet LEED standards.  With BCPS and MSA’s input, Lorax developed program sustainability requirements, established metrics and standards for LEED prerequisites and credits, and oversaw the schedule of LEED milestones for each school project from feasibility through certification.

Project Information

Location

Baltimore, MD

Client

Maryland Stadium Authority

Owner

Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) and Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS)

Size

250k - 499k sq ft

Certification

Anticipated LEED Schools v2009 Silver/Gold

Contact Lorax

With Lorax’s guidance in program development, Baltimore City Public Schools, the Maryland Stadium Authority, the City of Baltimore, and Maryland’s Interagency Committee on School Construction developed the 21st Century School Buildings Program and implemented the following criteria across 28 Baltimore Schools:

  • Build future-focused, adaptable, sustainable, and high-quality schools that inspire learning of Baltimore City Public Schools students
  • Design schools that allow for recreational opportunities for the community, combined with other school partnership programs
  • Manage the costs of school facility operations by closing under-utilized schools, opening new education programs, and implementing improved facilities operations
  • Execute a cost-effective and timely school design and construction program, integrating local hiring & student learning opportunities
  • Be responsible stewards of Maryland taxpayer dollars and champions for education, economic development, and neighborhood revitalization in the City of Baltimore

 

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

  • Building re-use in urban infill lots – the greenest building is the one that already exists
  • Additional wall and roof insulation, better windows, reduced lighting power density, and highly efficient VRF HVAC systems allow projects to achieve, on average, a 28% energy cost savings, equivalent to taking 112 passenger vehicles off the road annually
  • Due to energy efficient design and operations, Lorax has assisted in capturing roughly $100,000 per school in green building rebates from the local utility company