Clearview School makes the grade

Concrete Producer, The, Sept, 2003

Attaining any level of LEED certification for a new school building is not something that happens by itself. But serious planning, commitment, and diligence are expected to result in high honors for the Clearview Elementary School in Hanover, Pa.

Opened to students Dec. 9, 2002, this school is an example of how using numerous environmentally friendly materials and technologies can result in a first-class learning facility without requiring taxpayers to pay a premium price. The building is expected to earn either silver or gold LEED certification, while the cost per square foot was only about $3.27 (2.25%) higher than the state average for new school construction. The school's life cycle cost will be further reduced through energy savings, reduced maintenance requirements, and other such benefits.

The school's exterior walls were constructed using insulating concrete forms (ICFs). That yielded multiple benefits, many of which are recognized in the LEED analysis and may contribute to earning various credits.

* Because the ICFs remain as part of the structure, construction waste normally associated with stripping forms was reduced. Using ICFs also reduced noise levels during construction, further lessening the impact of construction.

* The thermal mass of the concrete walls and the "built-in" insulation combine to enhance the performance of the heating and cooling system. The monolithic walls also reduce points of air infiltration, further improving the indoor environment.

* Additional savings in time, money, and resources were acknowledged through credits for incorporating 75% by cost high-recycled content materials and local production of approximately 40% of the building materials, including the ICFs and concrete.

* Further benefits include noise reduction and heightened wind, weather, and fire resistance, again due to the monolithic concrete walls.

Teachers, students, and parents are pleased with the new building, too. In addition to the warm and friendly atmosphere made possible by good temperature control and ventilation, they appreciate the "warm and fuzzy" satisfaction of knowing that the entire project reflects a responsible use of raw materials and energy, both in its construction and its operation.

Owner of the Clearview Elementary School is the Hanover (Pa.) Public School District. Project manager was John Boecker of L. Robert Kimball & Associates. The general contractor was Kamand Construction, Mechanicsburg, Pa. Valley Supply, also of Mechanicsburg, provided the ECO-Block ICFs.