The Graceland and Holabird Elementary Middle Schools, located in Baltimore City, are two new prototype schools that will encompass a new standard for energy conscious design in urban environments. Both are being designed to operate as net zero energy schools, which will be the first in Baltimore City.
Project Information
Location
Baltimore, MD
Client
Grimm + Parker
Owner
Baltimore City Public Schools
Size
10k - 250k sq ft
Certification
LEED for Schools v4 Platinum and NZEB Certified
In order to create sustainable high performance schools, a variety of initiatives have been included in the design of the buildings. Strategies to achieve Net Zero Energy (NZE) include the installation of an 1,800 solar panel rooftop array system that will generate approximately 695 Mwh of electricity per year, along with the use of ground source heat pumps, which will help heat and cool the buildings.
Other energy efficient measures include installing high efficient appliances, low-flow fixtures, and maximizing daylighting strategies to create an optimal learning environment. The benefits of designing to this efficiency include the creation of healthier learning environments, lower operating costs, and a reduced impact on the environment.