Planning the Design Process
The design process involves a multidisciplinary team of specialists and stakeholders who, ideally, begin collaborating early in the project. The sooner energy-efficient considerations are included in the design, the more options are open for meeting a school's energy-saving goals. Solutions may incorporate such elements as good site design, daylighting, building controls, solar and other on-site renewable energy options, water conservation strategies, and energy-saving operations and maintenance practices.
Complex trade-offs are made in the design process, by evaluating ways in which a higher investment in one element may decrease the costs of other elements. Using a well-insulated and tight building envelope, for example, may enable the school to save money by buying a smaller HVAC system, provided that good inside air quality is maintained. Similarly, low-e windows that increase daylighting may decrease the need for electrical wiring, lighting fixtures, and ballasts.
Planning Steps
The following steps will help you be successful in planning your EnergySmart Schools project:
- Conduct a needs assessment and form an advisory group
- Identify benchmarks
- Set and prioritize your broad project goals
- Develop a preliminary budget and financing options
- Make the case with the school board and other important community groups, such as the PTA, banks, and the utility company
- Select the project design team