Del Sur Elementary School, San Diego, has been designed as a single-building campus and will provide almost one-fifth of its energy through a renewable energy source.
By housing all school functions under one roof, the school's energy efficiency will be 42 percent below California Title 24 requirements. Reduced exterior wall and roof areas decrease the amount of heating and cooling needed, lowering costs and improving the physical environment.
An estimated 19 percent of the school's energy will come from photovoltaic roof panels. An energy-management system will monitor the use of lighting, equipment and HVAC systems. Stormwater runoff will be minimized, and a high-efficiency irrigation system with a satellite controller will ensure that water is used only as needed. The project is expected to be completed by July.
The architect is NTD Architecture (San Diego).
