When Martin Elementary School opens in August of 2010, it will claim at least two firsts. Martin will become the first NISD elementary school to be built inside Loop 410 since 1980 and it also will be the first officially “green” NISD school.

Construction, which started earlier this year, is following a strict protocol established by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. The LEED rating system was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C.

In order to earn a LEED certification, everything about the school must be environmentally friendly, from the recycling of materials during the construction to the energy efficiency of the building once it’s finished.

“We feel that eventually, the state Legislature will mandate that school districts meet some level of green building criteria and we want to be prepared,” said Vernon Dunagin, assistant superintendent for Facilities & Operations. In addition, “Northside ISD is committed to protecting the environment and our natural resources.”

The district will apply for LEED silver certification when construction of Martin Elementary is completed. Once the application is submitted it could take weeks to months before notification is received.

“It’s a very extensive process,” said Leroy San Miguel, executive director of Construction and Engineering, who meets with staff, builders and architects every two weeks to document progress on the LEED requirements.

Construction of Martin Elementary will cost $19.3 million, which includes about $200,000 to cover the costs of applying for and meeting LEED certification. Eventually, that additional cost will be offset by savings on utility bills.

Alamo Architects, which has worked on other LEED certified projects, is the architect for Martin Elementary.

“It is not a huge leap for the district to build a green school,” Dunagin said. “Most of the NISD’s schools that have opened in the last 10 years come very close to meeting the requirements for LEED certification.”

However, Martin Elementary will have subtle differences compared to the District’s other elementary schools. It’s designed to allow as much natural light in as possible, and overhangs on windows will provide shade and help keep the inside of the school cool.

Outside the school, there will be more natural vegetation and less grass than other schools. And, high-mileage vehicles get preferential parking spots.

Other less visible differences include insulated windows and a more energy-efficient heating and air conditioning system.

Northside made a commitment years ago to protect the environment and has established numerous environmentally-friendly practices.

“Northside ISD was green long before it was the trend,” NISD Superintendent John Folks said.

Back in the 1980s, NISD started converting diesel-fueled school buses to propane, and almost 20 years ago, the district established an extensive energy management program that saves about $1 million a year in electricity and water utility fees.

More recently, the district’s massive solar panel project at the Northside Aquatics Center was awarded the first Bill Sinkin Solar Energy Award from the city of San Antonio.

“Building a LEED ‘green’ school is a responsibility,” Folks said. “We as educators should be at the forefront of teaching students how to take care of our planet. We are doing our small part here in NISD.”

Martin Elementary school is located at 730 Canterbury Farm, 78228.