Northside ISD to open first ‘green’ 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.