Chicago Public Schools Chart Ambitious Course

CHICAGO-The public school system has laid out a plan that would maximize the environmental sustainability of all its more than 600 schools. The first step in that plan is to seek LEED certification for all new construction projects. Architecture firm OWP/P has taken on responsibility for designing, constructing and maintaining all new schools.

In an effort to achieve LEED certification, all new schools will adhere to the capital improvement plan standards of the Chicago Public Schools, which require that schools be designed to minimize lifecycle costs, lower energy consumption and create a healthy building environment with daylighting and effective ventilation. The schools must also provide optimal educational opportunities and be designed for the comfort of students, faculty and staff.

In order to explore the issues of sustainability, Chicago Public Schools and OWP/P decided to create a demonstration project. The new Westinghouse College Preparatory High School was chosen for that purpose. The school will incorporate various LEED criteria, such as stringent stormwater management, increased water efficiency, daylighting in 75 percent of all spaces and decreased energy consumption. Construction will start in 2006, with an occupancy date set for 2008.