The Putney School, an industry leader among schools and colleges in its commitment to environmental sustainability through curriculum and practice, has just completed what promises to be the nation's first 'green' net-zero gymnasium-- one that promises to produce more energy than it consumes. Global climate change is among the reasons the Southeastern Vermont school invested $7 million in the 17,000-sq-ft 'smart' building, located in the place once considered 'the cross country ski capital of the nation.'
We can't count on skiing as our only winter sport anymore, said school director Emily Jones. This is why we needed an indoor athletic space, and why we were committed to a building that would not contribute to further climate change.
With the market downturn and onset of the recession, Jones said, the school's board of trustees made the prudent financial decision to build a facility that wouldn't require high-priced oil to heat.
The 'green' building is powered by a field full of photovoltaic solar panels, and heated by an air-source heat pump. The electricity it harvests is pushed to the grid in summer and pulled back in winter, creating a net-zero utility bill over the course of a year. The facility, designed by Vermont-based William MaClay Architects, is expected to receive a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Platinum-certified rating, the highest designation achievable in energy conservation.
The Field House, as the building is known, marks the latest chapter in a school for whom environmentalism has always been a living value. Like most of the buildings on the 500-acre campus, it was designed and built, in part, with student input.
It is a living laboratory of environmental sustainability, said Ryan Kim, a senior from California and student trustee. Soon, students and the public can go online and see how much energy is the Field House is producing, using and saving, and even create their own charts.
From its founding 75 years ago, The Putney School has taken a hands-on approach to teaching its students to live close to the land. Situated on a working dairy farm, the school has distinguished itself through its unique work program and curriculum that require its students learn about sustainability first hand from working on the farm to a baking their own bread. But they are also schooled in new ways to reach for a more sustainable life.
Our students milk cows and chop wood, but they also learn the new technologies of solar power and heat pumps, said Jones. This green building is one more tool in helping our students to become responsible stewards of the environment.
Among the school's alumni who have become leaders in environmental sustainability are 'Nell' Newman '78, founder and CEO of Newman's Own Organics, Jeffrey Hollender '73, founder and CEO of Seventh Generation, a leading brand of green cleaners and recyclable paper products, and environmental activist Peter Willcox '72, best known for captaining the Greenpeace anti-whaling vessel, The Rainbow Warrior. Other notable alumni include Felicity Huffman '81 of Desperate Housewives, Carlton Cuse '77, executive producer of the hit TV show Lost, actress Tea Leoni '84, and character actor Wally Shawn '61.
The addition of the Field House makes this winter especially historic, as the school's basketball team is able to play 'at home' for the first time ever. Prior to this, students were forced to play either off-campus court or on a less-than-regulation size court located above the cow barn built in 1937. The new facility includes an open court for basketball and volleyball, a weight-training room and yoga and fitness space, ski waxing room, bike storage and repair space and a climbing wall. (See schedule of home games @ http://www.putneyschool.org/cal/events/)
The gym serves a good purpose, said alumnus John Caldwell '46, a former teacher and Olympic cross country ski coach who lives near the campus and is a member of the family to which the building is dedicated.
For more information, including a six-minute video, log on to http://www.putneyfieldhouse.org/
About The Putney School:
The Putney School is a boarding and day high school in southeastern Vermont situated on a 500-acre working dairy farm run by the students, in addition to a normal class day.
Founded by Carmelita Hinton in 1935, The Putney School remains dedicated to
progressive education as a better way of preparing young men and women for college and a sustainable future. For more information on The Putney School or Putney School
Summer Programs, visit www.putneyschool.org.
About Maclay Architects:
Founded in 1982, Maclay Architects is a Vermont-based architectural firm specializing in innovative, sustainable design for individuals, businesses and organizations seeking to create vibrant places for life, work and play. Firm founder and president, William Maclay, has worked in sustainable design since 1971, bringing his lifelong passion for the environment into his work through the design and creation of beautiful, sustainable buildings. Through its team of LEED-accredited professionals, the firm offers a fullrange of architectural services for all phases of residential, commercial and institutional projects. For more information, visit www.maclayarchitects.com.
Source: Putney School. 1.14.2010