Wisconsin’s second zero net energy (ZNE) school, Maplewood Middle School is under construction by the Menasha School District as a result of a 2022 referendum. The first net zero designed school in Dane County, Forest Edge Elementary in Oregon, has been producing more energy than it uses since it opened in 2020. Technically, that goes beyond net zero making it a restorative building, all while cutting operation costs by more than half for the school district. Given that operation costs account for 80% of the cost of a building over its life (design and construction is 20%), this will continue to be a significant economic savings for the school district. As it is documented by USGBC’s Center for Green Schools that children learn better in green, healthy buildings, it is an even better investment in the youth and their futures.
Like Forest Edge, Eppstein Uhen Architects/engineers (EUA) and Miron Construction are building an all-electric building with geothermal heating and cooling and energy produced by a 1.3MW solar photovoltaic system. It will house two schools and approximately 1,000 students in one 223,000 SF building. This building is eligible for federal funding under the Inflation Reduction Act. According to Miron, the school is likely to receive $3 million that would pay for the solar system and microgrid.
Forest Edge Elementary is using the school as a teaching tool about renewable energy and related environmental benefits. Menasha students will learn about their clean energy building in 2025 when the project is completed. WPR