Plan

Energy Efficiency's Bottom Line: A vertical bar chart with two bars, one labeled Energy-Smart Schools with annual energy costs at $488,000, and the other labeled conventional schools with annual energy costs at $700,000. The chart shows annual energy costs for a school district with 4,000 students. Data are based on current data observed and collected nationally by Energy Efficient Solutions.

(Based on current data observed and collected nationally by Energy Efficient Solutions)

This page provides information on planning the design, construction, and operation of an energy-efficient, high-performance school.

Energy-efficient, high-performance schools are healthy learning environments that combine good lighting, comfort, acoustics, and air quality. These schools also provide a platform for curricula about science and the environment. And they can save a school district thousands of dollars in operating costs annually – funds that can be re-directed to education resources.

Building an energy-efficient school depends on "whole building" systems design, which requires more planning than for most conventional schools. Whole building design weighs a wide range of options to find optimal design solutions that meet the defined project goals and fit the school's size, functions, and climate zone.