The Oregon School District joins an elite group of forward-looking national organizations with their new Forest Edge Elementary School. Completed in 2020, the 126,580 square foot facility has officially become the first Net Zero Energy (NZE) school in Wisconsin.
“Our Board and District has a long-standing commitment to being leaders in education and environmental stewardship,” said Dr. Leslie Bergstrom, Oregon School District Superintendent. “With that in mind, we focused on creating the best design for student learning that also incorporated technologies to efficiently use and conserve energy.”
Photo: Findorff
Making Forest Edge a net zero facility was possible based on innovative approaches for several systems:
- Ninety-nine geothermal wells extend 406 feet into the ground and feed electric water-source heat pumps that heat and cool the building very efficiently. By reducing the building’s heating, cooling, and electrical demands, the overall energy intensity is greatly reduced.
- Installation of a solar array that includes 1,704 solar panels producing 646 kW on the school’s roof.
- Electrochromic glass automatically tints exterior windows to manage solar gains and improve occupant comfort.
- A state-of-the art 125kW battery was installed to store some of the energy when the panels produce more than the school needs. This excess energy can be deployed back into the school strategically to manage other energy demands. Even more impressive is that when there is excess energy the school will not need, they are able to sell the energy back to the utilities and add it to the grid.
- No natural gas serves the building.
Photo credit: Bill Fritsch
“It has been a privilege to lead a project that will offer great learning opportunities for students and have such a positive impact on the environment,” added Business Manager, Andy Weiland. “In addition, our investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainability will save the District approximately $60,000 annually.”
The school includes a variety of educational tools to help students learn about sustainability. Viewing areas showcase the green roof and solar arrays, educational environmental graphics describe elements of the school, and monitors display a real-time energy dashboard with ongoing energy performance compared to the net zero energy target.
Photo credit: Findorff
“This project is a testament of what’s possible with dedication and innovation,” said Michael Barrett, Engineering Project Manager at HGA. He continued, “It’s proof that a net-zero-ready design is cost-comparable to a traditional school. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Oregon School District to help them envision and achieve a sustainable future.”
HGA thanks their design and construction partners, Bray Architects and J.H. Findorff & Son Inc., who helped support the District throughout the planning, design, and construction process.
Photo credit: Findorff
The District is planning an official grand opening event on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 beginning with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5:45 p.m., followed by an open house with self-guided tours until 7:30 p.m.
About Oregon School District
The Oregon School District is located south of Madison in southern Wisconsin. The District serves over 4,000 students and is committed to environmental stewardship across its seven schools. Visit us at OregonSD.org and on Facebook.
About Bray Architects
Bray Architects is a full-service planning, architecture, interior design, and community engagement firm serving the Midwest since 1962. The company focuses on a variety of project types including K12, Higher Education, Civic/Municipal, Corporate + Financial, Religious, Sports + Recreation, and Performing Arts. For more information, please visit the company’s website www.brayarch.com.
About J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. (Findorff)
Findorff is a leading builder in the Midwest with its headquarters located in Madison, Wisconsin. The company’s annual revenue is $800 million and employs nearly 1,000 construction professionals and tradespeople across several states. Within the past five years, Findorff has completed projects in over 170 educational facilities and was named Wisconsin’s Top Green Contractor in 2020 by ENR magazine.
About HGA
HGA is a national interdisciplinary design firm committed to making a positive, lasting impact for our clients and communities through research-based, holistic solutions. We believe that great design requires a sense of curiosity—forming deep insight into our clients, their contexts, and the human condition. We are a collective of over 800 architects, engineers, interior designers, planners, researchers, and strategists. Our practice spans multiple markets, including corporate, cultural, education, local and federal government, healthcare, and science and technology. Visit HGA.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
