Valley View Middle School

The first strategy in attaining net zero was to reduce the energy demand.  The building systems have been modeled to achieve 22EUI (kbtu/sf/year), without  any photovoltaic offset, which is about 1/3 of the average Washington State middle school currently operating and less than 50% of current code.

This is accomplished with increased roof and wall insulation and triple-pane insulated glazing as well as utilizing 90% efficient air to air heat exchangers and low velocity displacement air delivery is provided in all teaching spaces.  Efficiently designed north-facing teaching spaces provide adequate natural lighting throughout the school-year, further reducing artificial lighting energy demand.  The campus is also designed to accept a 900 kW roof-top solar array.

Roof rainwater is collected and stored throughout the year for toilet-flush use.  Water collection and energy use are tracked and monitored live on smart-boards and public interactive kiosks via in-classroom software to encourage educational competition among classroom communities.