Green building in Oregon schools creates efficiency, savings

Integrating “sustainable” or “green” building practices into the construction of state buildings is a wise investment in financial, academic and environmental health. A comprehensive cost-benefit analysis found that investment in green practices comprising 2% of total construction costs can yield a tenfold return. For example, investing $100,000 in green building features for a $5 million project would result in at least $1 million in savings over the 20-year life of the building.

Profiles in Savings: Oregon’s Green Schools

The Dalles Middle School: The Dalles, Wasco County

• Opened: August 2002
• Student body: Grades 6-8
• Size: 96,000 square feet
• Total cost: $12.5 million

• Estimated annual energy savings: 45% to 60% 
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Energy Efficiency: The Dalles is one of the first schools in the nation to use warm groundwater geothermal pumps for heating and cooling. Passive solar – including skylights, light tubes, light shelves, glazed windows and north/south orientation – reduce energy costs from lighting and air conditioning. Insulation, natural ventilation, air intake fans, occupancy sensors and T-5 fluorescent lights also light and cool the building efficiently.

Other Green Features: Landscaping and grading were designed to control erosion. To save water, ball fields are irrigated with reclaimed groundwater and landscaping incorporates drought-resistant plants. Light-colored parking lot surfaces reduce heat islands. Exterior lighting is designed to reduce light pollution. Parking capacity for 176 bicycles and space for a future electric car charging station encourage alternative transportation. To reduce waste, construction materials were recycled or salvaged and building materials were made from post-consumer recycled content and purchased from local sources. Low-VOC paints, stains, and sealers were used to reduce air pollution. The school also contains a recycling center.

Eagle Rock Elementary School: Eagle Point, Jackson County

• Opened: November 2003
• Student body: Grades K-5
• Size: 38,850 square feet
• Total cost: $7 million
• Estimated annual energy savings: 38%
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Energy Efficiency: The small Jackson County district made the most of taxpayer dollars when using a $33.9 million bond dedicated in part to constructing a new school. Energy savings come from simple, affordable solutions including sunshades on south side of building to avoid excessive heating, efficient lighting, operable windows for natural ventilation, efficient boilers fueled by natural gas, and natural insulation resulting from a design that built the school into a hillside.

Other Green Features: Low-VOC paints and adhesives protect air quality. Underground water storage tanks keep water cool. Low-flow plumbing fixtures and timed water faucets conserve water. Drip irrigation, landscaping with drought-resistant plants and the design of a bioswale and pond reduce water use and runoff. A bicycle parking area encourages alternative transportation. Nearly all construction waste was recycled, and the school site was selected in order to save mature trees and to maximize the use of daylight.

Corvallis High School: Corvallis, Benton County

• Opened: September 2005
• Student body: Grades 9-12
• Size: 230,000 square feet
• Total cost: $46 million
• Estimated annual energy savings: 30%
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Energy Efficiency: When a $46 million bond was issued to replace the old high school on the same site, Corvallis High School invested in energy-saving features. Increased roof insulation, high-performance windows and shading, light shelves for exterior shading and day light in many rooms reduce heating, cooling and lighting costs. Energy-saving technology includes occupancy sensors and a direct digital HVAC control system. Chillers, water heaters, motors on fans and pumps and electrical transformers were selected for efficiency. Variable frequency drives on ventilation
and water systems save energy by matching the volume to the systems’ demand.

Other Green Features: Low-water flow fixtures, infrared controls, and drinking fountains instead of water coolers save water and reduce waste. Wood products in the building are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Construction waste was recycled, and more than half of building materials are made from recycled materials. For example, crushed concrete from the former building was used in the
new building.

West Salem High School: Salem, Polk County

• Opened: 2002
• Student body: Grades 9-12
• Size: 270,000 square feet
• Total cost: $48 million
• Estimated annual energy savings: 40%

Energy Efficiency: Property taxes funded a $177.1 million construction bond to pay for renovations, repairs and new schools in the county, including West Salem High School. The school saves energy from lighting, heating and cooling by using available daylight, light shelves, tinted windows, window shading, large windows and light reflectors. Sensors are used to turn off the heating or cooling system when windows are open. Wind turbines and a solar voltaic system on the roof of the press box in the football field generate
electricity.

Other Green Features: The school is insulated by the hillside that surrounds it. Landscapers retained the existing grove and used terracing to reduce grading. Natural materials were used in construction, and concrete floors are designed for easy cleaning and to resist heavy wear. The building serves the community after school hours as host to plays and concerts, pageants, political forums, fund-raising auctions, sports training, sporting and non-sporting competitions, community clubs and organization meetings, and
church services.