Jaindl Elementary Earns $400,000 in Green

The is so "green" that it received a silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, a recognition that will lead to the receiving a $400,000 state reimbursement.

The recognition, which is part of the council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, was given for the building's energy-efficient and environmentally friendly design.

"I'm just thrilled about that," said Dale Reitz, who recently retired as district director of school services, in addressing the Parkland school board at its meeting Tuesday night.

Here are the "green" initiatives that the Parkland School District has said are part of the building's design:

• Computer stations that are virtualized desktop appliances using 1 watt of power, as compared to the usual 110 watts.
• A geothermal heat pump system.
• A bike rack and showers to encourage people to bike to work.
• Preferred parking spaces for fuel-efficient vehicles.
• Rain bio-gardens in parking lots to help manage stormwater.
• Low flow plumbing fixtures to reduce water consumption by 20 percent.
• Light sensors and large windows to reduce electricity costs.
• Adjustable blinds and windows to reduce glare and make the heating and cooling system more efficient.  
• Portal displays to provide green energy tips for students,

Also, officials said:

• Ninety-five percent of the construction debris was recycled.
• The building design used recycled materials where appropriate.

Reitz said the recognition demonstrates to students, parents and taxpayers that "we are good stewards of the environment."

The Jaindl building also has been used as a teaching tool for the high school's advanced architectural students and 's engineering students.

Reitz thanked a team of officials who helped with the building project. In turn, Superintendent Richard Sniscak recognized Reitz for being "a bulldog" on the Jaindl construction project to make sure the building opened on time for the 2010-2011 school year. This is the second school year that the school is open.

While construction costs can be higher for LEED buildings, savings come in operating costs, experts say.