Howard County Public Schools set out to construct a 106,221-gross-square-foot net-zero energy (NZE) middle school to replace an aging facility. The new building was designed to accommodate twice the student population while using half the amount of energy. In addition to the goal of being the first NZE school in Maryland, the project team was targeting a LEED® certification.
James Posey Associates (JPA) worked closely with the county to include just the right combination of energy conservation measures and renewable features in the design to reach a NZE use. Reducing demand is the first step in achieving net zero, and Metropolitan Equipment Group (MEG) worked with JPA to design Aircuity into the project. Aircuity was selected for the project to measure the building’s carbon dioxide levels. When coupled with the school's demand control ventilation design, the Aircuity system helped to ensure the required quantity of outdoor air was delivered to each space while meeting the NZE goals. Aircuity was installed in all classroom and assembly areas before the school’s completion in January 2017. The project not only was on budget and earned the designation as Maryland's first NZE school, but it was also certified LEED Platinum and ranks among the most energy conscious schools in the nation.