chapter project profile

90%of all spaces have direct views outside

100%100% certified wood used for cabinets (70% for doors)

40% overall energy savings through optimized energy

performance of building and systems

WatertoWn-Mayer eleMentary School WatertoWn, Mn

The information provided is based on that stated in the LEED® project certification submittals. USGBC and Chapters do not warrant or represent the accuracy of this information. Each building’s actual performance is based on its unique design, construction, operation, and maintenance. Energy efficiency and sustainable results will vary.

leeD ® factsWatertown-Mayer elementary SchoolWatertown, Minnesota

LEED for New Construction v2.1Certification awarded October 2009

Certified 30*

Sustainable Sites 5/14

Water Efficiency 2/5

Energy & Atmosphere 7/17

Materials & Resources 5/13

Indoor Environmental Quality 8/15

Innovation & Design 3/5

*Out of a possible 69 points

chapter project profile

The Minnesota Chapter is an active and thriving organization intent on transforming the State’s built environment. The Chapter has grown to become a leading regional catalyst for the acceptance and adoption of green building practices, technologies, policies and standards.www.usgbcmn.org

WatertoWn-Mayer eleMentary School

LEED-NC Certified environmental learning by example - the Sustainable School Building Sustainable Knowledge

Architect: Cuningham Group Architecture, Civil Engineer: Anderson-Johnson Associates, Commissioning Agent: Karges-Faulconbridge, Contractor: Knutson Construction Services, Inc.Electrical Engineer: Karges-Faulconbridge, Inc.Interior Designer: Cuningham Group Landscape Architect: Sanders Wacker Bergly, Inc.Energy LEED Consultant: Cuningham Group MEP Engineer: Karges-Faulconbridge, Inc.Project Owner: Watertown-Mayer Public Schools Structural Engineer: Clark Engineering Size: 86,000 SFPhotography Courtesy of: Dana Wheelock

project BacKGroUnD

Designed to support the school district’s vision to provide flexible and integrated learning, the new LEED ® certified Watertown – Mayer Elementary School combines innovative educational design with respect for the local community and the environment. This focus was established early in the design process. Led by Cuningham Group, it evolved into a set of clearly defined goals that guided design decisions with the intent of achieving LEED ® certification. Designed for 600 students in grades 1-5, the school is organized into neighborhoods that form small learning communities.

StrateGieS anD reSUltS

The initial process in the District started with a Long-Range Planning Committee composed of community members, students, staff, administrators and board members. The result was a plan that • emphasized the values of the community and the environment,• established a prioritized list of projects to address growth needs, and • set a realistic goal for implementation.

The architecture supported the District’s environmental goal to instill in its learners a sense of respect and stewardship for the environment by providing an opportunity for teachers to discuss nature both inside and outside the classroom, and for students to understand the environment in a new and creative light.

The conceptual themes of River, Prairie, Farmlands, Wetlands, and Woodlands were the design inspiration. The design helps to give each learning area a different nature experience and identity. Ultimately, the architecture creates a dialogue between the interior spaces and the natural context of the site, creating a sense of identity and pride.The project earned a LEED innovation credit for a powerpoint presentation tour of the school and an extensive on site signage program. Cuningham Group worked with Watertown Mayer, particularly one 5th grade teacher who served as the leader of the initiative, to develop this powerpoint tour of the school to teach environmental stewardship by describing the sustainable features all around them. To view the presentation, click on http://www.wm.k12.mn.us/se3bin/clientgenie.cgi and then choose WMES Sustainable Building Tour (see top left of page, beneath WM News).

Green features include: • Protected open space, keeping footprint compact in a two-story building• Used local materials for construction, to save on transportation costs• Used low VOC regional materials• Implemented water-efficient landscaping, reducing the need for irrigation• Managed storm water system to limit quantity, treat it, and reduce the rate at which

it leaves the site, including retention ponds, site infiltration, and the incorporation of swales and native species

• Provided daylight to the vast majority of the learning spaces and 75% of occupied spaces

• Provided direct views outside for 90% of all spaces• Optimized energy performance of the building and its systems, resulting in a 40%

energy savings over a conventional building designed to current building code.• Included geothermal well system and displacement ventilation mechanical system• Included high-efficiency mechanical air handling units to temper outside (fresh) air

and control humidity before introduced to the learning spaces for learners and staff.

• Reduced water use within the building through efficient plumbing fixtures• Reduced water use within the building through efficient plumbing fixtures

“Students walked into their new school, [they] realized the community had done something special for them. Students loved the colors and light throughout the building while parents commented on the security measures we incorporated throughout the building and the quality of the learning spaces. Board members and i appreciated the focus on sustainability, indoor air quality, and various design features. The needs of these different groups of people could only be met by using a collaborative approach to discern needs and develop solutions.When students walked into their new school, [they] realized the community had done something special for them.”

-Karsten Anderson, Superintendent