Blueprints Goes Green
Shady Hill’s commitment to the
environment, a simple Q & A:
Did we build GREEN?
Yes! Shady Hill has a lengthy history of caring for the environment, starting with our own eleven acre campus. As stated in our Campus Vision Statement, “we selected materials and maintenance plans that were safe and environmentally thoughtful.” We have continued this tradition with our new Arts and Gym buildings, while adhering to our commitment to a child-scaled campus that supports the mission and program of the school.
What were some specific "green" items
associated with construction?
- Protection of adjacent wetland habitat
- Use of indigenous plant species in landscape design
- On-site water filtration and discharge
- Reduced heat-island effect
- Reduced light pollution
SITE DESIGN
- Water efficient plumbing fixtures
- Passive solar gain during winter months
- Energy efficient heating and cooling systems
- Energy efficient lighting and lighting controls
- Water efficient landscaping/Reduced irrigation
WATER & ENERGY CONSERVATION
- Ample classroom and gym day lighting and views
- Specification of recycled and/or certified materials
- Use of low VOC-emitting materials
- Recycling of existing structures (per MA code)
BUILDING DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION & FINISHES
Will Shady Hill’s Arts & Gym projects be LEED certified?
We hope to be! The Board of Overseers has requested that the Buildings & Grounds Committee move toward LEED certification. According to our projections, the new Arts and Gym buildings will likely qualify for LEED certification. We are currently working with a green consultant, as well as various members of our Machado & Silvetti design team, in determining the level of certification we will be eligible for and the additional costs associated with it.
What is LEED certification?
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.
How does a building earn LEED certification?
To earn certification, a building project must first register with The Green Building Council and then meet certain prerequisites and performance benchmarks ("credits" or "points") within specific categories. Projects are awarded Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum certification depending on the number of credits they achieve.
LEED was created to accomplish the following:
- Define "green building" by establishing a common standard of measurement
- Promote integrated, whole-building design practices
- Recognize environmental leadership in the building industry
- Stimulate green competition
- Raise consumer awareness of green building benefits
- Transform the building market
