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Centrally
located 89,000 square foot facility (48,287 sq ft footprint) replacing
a 103,000 square foot inefficient old facility.
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24
KW photovoltaic system being installed on the roof in Fall 2003.
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Building
oriented to maximize southern roof exposure to maximize performance
of solar panels.
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Siting
of building on northwest corner of property creating a microclimate
that takes advantage of sunshine and buffers outside play areas from
prevailing winds.
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Preservation
of natural features of the site, including a rocky outcropping at
the west of the site retained as a wild area for the outdoor classroom
space. A variety of habitats including a meadow, mini-forest, vernal
pool and school garden preserved or planned to enhance the science
curriculum.
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Facility
designed to increase north/south exposure for daylighting. Daylighting
systems designed to avoid excess heat loss or gain and to minimize
glare.
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Low-E
windows with internal blinds selected to avoid glare and reduce excess
heat.
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Differential
light switching system in classrooms to minimize wasted electric light
when daylight will illuminate portions of a room.
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Low/zero
VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints and finishes used.
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Carpeting
in the facility is a “product of service,” which means it
will be recycled by the manufacturer once it wears out.
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Avoidance
of underground fuel storage tanks, especially important because the
site is located in a well-head protection district.
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Energy
efficient lighting used throughout the facility including high efficiency
lamps and fixtures and occupancy sensors for restrooms.
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Heat
recovery ventilation units installed to reduce energy costs.
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High
levels of insulation: Walls: approximately R-13, Roof: approximately
R-28.
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Construction
is masonry bearing wall with steel frame roof and floors allowing
continuous insulation envelope without interruption and thermal bridges
common to steel structures. Wall insulation fully overlaps the roof
insulation. The air infiltration barrier also overlaps the juncture
of wall to roof to insure tightness of the envelope.
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Site
parking drainage designed for infiltration within the site except
for at-peak flow periods.
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Site
drainage designed not to exceed existing flows to town storm water
system.
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Two
story design results in smaller footprint and lower impact to site.