Massachusetts High-Performance Green Schools Case Study Whitman-Hanson

Massachusetts High-Performance Green Schools – Case Study Whitman-Hanson Regional High School n n Library & Media Center. This projects features include utilizing daylight extensively, energy efficient lighting systems, and high performance windows.

Site Analysis n Understand solar orientation n Understand wind patterns n Understand natural resources (wetlands) and topography Fact: Smart site design can preserve natural areas, minimize stormwater runoff, control erosion, reduce heat islands, and prevent light pollution.

Energy Efficient Building Design n Three story design to minimize the building area Natural lighting throughout Courtyard design to allow natural light into core spaces

Increased Glazing Efficiency n Baseline windows: q q n U value = 0. 57 Shading Coefficient = 0. 88 Specified Windows: q q q U value = 0. 31 Shading Coefficient = 0. 46 Solar Screen, Low-E, Blue Green Fact: Windows specified provide electricity and natural gas savings by reducing cooling load due to solar radiation and heating energy loss due to heat conduction through the glass.

Increase Insulation R Values n n Wall Insulation: q Increased code minimum of R-7. 5 continuous insulation to R-10 continuous Roof Insulation: q Increased code minimum R-17. 7 continuous insulation to R-20 continuous Fact: Increased building insulation levels improve energy performance.

Cool Roof Technology n Installation of a cool roof reduces heat gain on the building and reduces the heat island effect. n Cool roof used is a white membrane installed on 95% of the roof surface. FACT: Buildings with light colored roofs can realize a reduction in cooling energy by as much as 40%.

Whitman-Hanson Regional High School Energy Efficient Systems: Lighting n Daylight harvesting technologies n Direct/Indirect pendant fixtures n High-bay fixtures with compact fluorescents allow instant on-off n Reduced lighting power densities n All lighting fixtures manufactured in MA or RI

Energy Efficient Systems: HVAC n n n High Efficiency condensing gas-fired boilers Modular design allows staging boilers to match heating load This 235, 000 sq. ft. high school uses less gas than one of the districts existing 8 classroom elementary schools

Energy Efficient Systems: HVAC n Fully reactive controls: q Automated with occupancy controlled VAV boxes q Demand controlled ventilation in large spaces q Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) control fan and pump motors n Hybrid chilled water system n Multiple condensing DHW heaters Centrally located mechanical room Variable primary pumping (no secondary pumps) n n

Whitman-Hanson Regional High School Renewable Energy Systems n 51 k. W PV system n Evergreen Solar panels manufactured in MA n Oriented due south at a 29° angle n Rack system did not require roof penetrations n Production last year equaled 59, 219 KWh

Whitman-Hanson Regional High School Case Study Summary: n n n n 577, 037 KWh electric savings per year relative to Code 11, 719 Therms gas savings per year relative to Code $100, 060 energy cost savings per year 972, 360 gallons water savings per year relative to Code $1, 109, 800 total grants and rebates earned $826, 853 DOEd / MSBA state incentives Net incremental cost to taxpayers = (-$70, 404)

Energy Efficiency Programs in Massachusetts