With a budget set by a recent bond election, SHW Group was tasked with implementing the most cost-efficient, sustainable features into the school’s design. SHW planners and architects held LEED meetings to track and monitor LEED criteria options and discuss ways to meet or exceed the criteria without adding to the price tag.

partnerships yield innovative results
The collaboration between the school district, architect, engineers and construction manager was key to planning and building the state’s first LEED-certified public school. At planning meetings with teachers, SHW designers gained insight into the instructional needs of each department. This led to a final design that precisely accommodates the space needs for labs, gyms, classrooms, performance spaces and practice areas. As part of the educational outreach effort to broaden the awareness of sustainability, informational material about the eco-friendly design was installed throughout the building and posted on the district’s intranet. These steps assist educators in using the building and the sustainable concepts as a teaching tool.

Another integral partner was the contractor – Tellepsen – who was at the table throughout the planning and design process. Tellepsen representatives provided up-to-date pricing and tailored their construction activities, such as construction waste recycling and purchasing local products, to meet the LEED criteria. SHW was the leader in selecting green building products that require less maintenance and reduce operational costs.

“We chose materials that require less maintenance and help save on energy costs, which will reduce long-term expenses throughout the lifecycle of the facility,” says Jennifer Henrikson, SHW’s project manager and Principal in Charge for the school. “Several studies have proven that sustainable design in schools fosters a better learning and teaching environment, specifically noting that the improvements in air quality and natural day lighting improve test scores, reduce absences and improve teacher morale.”

design impacts achievement
“While teachers are the number one influence in student performance improvement, a building that provides natural lighting and embraces eco-friendly principles enhances the learning and teaching experience,” explains Martha Buckner, assistant superintendent of Columbia-Brazoria ISD.

Following their first year in West Brazos Junior High, students’ test scores and attendance rates improved compared to the previous year in the old building. The district and the board of trustees were delighted to build a facility that adhered to a typical budget but received the LEED stamp of approval.