Construct a School…Influence a Community
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| Paul J. Hoffman, Mary Bowen-Eggebraaten |
When River Crest Elementary school opened to over 500 students on September 2, 2008 in Hudson, Wisconsin, its’ influence had already grown beyond the student body. The school leaders aimed for ultimate sustainability and achieved it. But, the cutting-edge school’s importance in the Hudson community goes beyond the green features. The 93,450 square foot facility now serves as a beacon for sustainable change while simultaneously providing an educational tool for eco-friendly behavior in the community. What could be the impact of your next design and construction project?
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| Responding to the design committee’s desire that the building relate to its natural environment, neutral colors were chosen for the brick and burnished block. |
The school district’s decision to incorporate sustainability into the design and construction of their new elementary school provided a clear and bold vision. This critical initial decision launched a green movement and commitment to sustainability that extended beyond the school walls and began positively impacting the district’s staff, students, and parents with an additional benefit of influencing the Hudson community.
Education STARTS with Students
From the start, the Hudson School District’s leaders had a vision to create a 21st century, hands-on learning environment to serve the students, district and community. Central to that vision was a commitment to making a positive impact on the future of the students—on their learning, on their health and well-being, and on the earth they will inherit. This commitment required building a highly-sustainable school that combined a smart, logical flow with a striking look and feel. River Crest’s design facilitates cooperation between students and teachers, and also provides more natural light and fresh air. In total, the school was awarded 46 points from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for sustainable design attributes, ranging from eco-friendly carpet to energy-efficient lighting. This positive impact on students and staff that started at River Crest continues throughout the school district community.
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| River Crest Elementary |
Ripple Effect
The construction of River Crest, from planning to completion, provided a foundation to focus attention on green principles. John Muller, a fifth grade teacher at River Crest, reminds us of how the features impact lifestyle. “In terms of sustainability, I think the whole design (influences us) in terms of conservation, like the water system that is designed with the no flush urinals and those types of things. Those seem to be very obvious things that kids can see every day, that are right there in front of them.”
But, it’s not just the students that catch that sustainable spirit. Kathleen Mullvain, another River Crest teacher, adds, “I think I’m more aware at home. I’ve always been a pretty environmentally friendly person, but I think, because of the information that’s been shared with us at school, and because of the information we’re sharing with our students, I just find myself more aware at home and more aware with my family.”
Collaboration Furthers the Message
Numerous partnerships and stories of collaboration gave this project many opportunities to spread the sustainability story throughout the community. Board members banded together and started the process, believing in building sustainably, ensuring the district was pushing itself for USGBC’s LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification throughout the entire project. The next significant partnership occurred between the Hudson School District and its planning, design, and construction management partner, Hoffman LLC. The two groups combined to share the vision and produce many highly sustainable solutions together. The synergy between the two organizations provided for a high level of sustainability at a total cost that was $57 per square foot lower than other public elementary schools built in the region.
Another significant partner, Andersen® Windows, worked with Hoffman to design a new wood window product for River Crest that was incorporated throughout the school. The new product maximizes natural light while reducing glare and provides energy savings. The location of the school provided yet another opportunity for a strategic relationship. River Crest is located directly across from YMCA-Camp St. Croix. An underpass was constructed under a highway, permitting safe access between the school grounds and the camp and its’ trail system. Students and teachers could take advantage of the natural learning environment that extended through the camp all the way to the beautiful St. Croix River.
These and other alliances provided enhanced sustainable solutions and positive energy for the project, building a very powerful and contagious buzz throughout the community. These relationships increased the number of people who ultimately played a role in the success of the project.
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| There are large clerestory windows in the north wall of the gymnasium, above and behind the bleachers. The maple floor is locally sourced. |
Features Fan the Flame
River Crest is the Hudson School District’s sixth elementary school, but its first to be designed and constructed using sustainable principles. The features throughout the facility fan the flame that continues to energize others to consider sustainability in their own spheres of influence.
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Sustainable highlights of River Crest Elementary include: Water efficiency Daylight harvesting and views Recycling of construction waste Local materials |
Recognition Reaps Rewards
River Crest Elementary became the first elementary school in Wisconsin (and one of less than a handful of elementary schools in the US) to receive Gold certification under the USGBC’s new LEED for Schools Rating System. In addition, it is the second of only two public school buildings in the state to receive LEED Gold designation—the first being another Hoffman project, Northland Pines High School in Eagle River, Wisconsin, in 2006. This valued designation validates that the school meets high standards for energy efficiency and sustainability. This third party certification provides credibility and validates the effort expended to go truly green.
Since its completion, River Crest Elementary has been featured in the 2008 School Planning & Management’s Education Design Showcase—named as “Judges’ Choice”—and the 2009 edition of Learning By Design, where it was featured as one of the Outstanding Projects—demonstrating best practices in sustainable design and construction—in the Green Special Section. It was also the recipient of a Distinguished Award in the Second Annual SchoolDesigner.com Design Collabetition.
These and other awards and acknowledgements provide further validation for the hard work of those involved in this project and recognize the many benefits that the various features afford the students, staff, and community. Each time the project is showcased, there are new chances to share this positive story which influences and informs a broader community. “I’ve had 3 different school districts one from Wisconsin and two from Minnesota come and visit,” says Pat Hodges, River Crest’s principal.
The Community Watches Costs
The community kept a close eye on the project from start to finish. Some were concerned that going green would mean a higher price tag and hidden costs that would jeopardize the building budget. As the beautifully designed school rose out of the ground, and when word spread about its high level of sustainability, it was clear that community members were watching. Those who assumed that a great look and a highly green building meant that costs must be growing…found that not to be the case.
The total project cost for River Crest Elementary was $166/square foot. This included design, site work, all construction costs, furnishings, fixtures, and equipment. That is $57/square foot less than, or 29% below, the average cost of construction for public elementary schools built in Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota in 2008 as reported by School Planning & Management in their “2009 Construction Report."
Hoffman’s Director of Sustainable Services, Mark Hanson, stated, “The overall project cost, combined with River Crest’s LEED Gold certification validates and confirms that sustainable design and construction can be done at or below conventional costs. It was great to show the taxpayers and the entire community that they were getting a great value.”
You Can Make a Difference
The true impact of the Hudson School District Board of Education’s decision to build sustainably will not be fully measured for years to come. River Crest Elementary is proof that a community doesn’t have to wait for the future to see the benefits now. This highly visible project is clearly changing behavior and helping the Hudson community see that building can combine sustainability and an attractive design with a reasonable cost. Bottom line, River Crest is enhancing the learning and health of the occupants, represents good stewardship of the environment, and will lead to ongoing savings throughout the life of the property. The time is now to begin your sustainable journey and influence your community too!
Mary Bowen-Eggebraaten is the Superintendent of Schools in Hudson, Wisconsin. Hudson is a K-12 district of eight schools serving over 5,300 students. Ms. Bowen-Eggebraaten has been involved in school referendums and school construction projects as a community volunteer, Board of Education member, and school administrator. She has experience with traditional, non-LEED certified sustainable, and LEED certified school design, construction, and operation.
Paul J. Hoffman (phoffman@hoffman.net) is owner and president of Hoffman LLC, a Wisconsin-based planning, architecture, and construction management firm.
