Conclusion

Zero-energy schools are becoming more popular. High-performance envelopes using ICFs along with lower cost of renewable energy is making it possible. ICF systems result in construction that is faster, easier, and less labor intensive than other construction methods, making it possible to offset the cost of solar panels. ICF systems combine reinforced concrete with fire, sound, thermal, air, and moisture barriers in one step, which reduces the number of trades required on-site. Construction can continue all year long since the forms provide an ideal curing condition for concrete during the hottest and coldest weather.

All this leads to a construction system that is ideal to meet the demands of zero-energy buildings. ICFs create a modern building system that is easy to use and cost competitive. To find out more about ICF construction and concrete construction in general, visit www.buildwithstrength.com and www.icf-ma.org.

Case Study: Alamosa Elementary School, Alamosa, Colorado

Photo courtesy of Neenan Archistruction

Completed in 2010, Alamosa Elementary School is a design-build project located in one of the most economically challenged areas of southern Colorado. Two connected school buildings (grades K–2 and 3–5) with a combined area of 145,000 square feet had the shells of both buildings constructed with 51,400 square feet of insulated concrete forms (ICFs), including 75 percent of the exterior walls, in just 90 days. A LEED Gold certification was awarded for integrating various sustainable design aspects, including under-slab hydronic heating and ICFs. Combined, these systems reduce energy loads by 72 percent when compared to metal framing, thereby allocating money to classroom needs instead of utility bills. Also, energy modeling found that the building could be designed without air-conditioning and still be comfortable. Solar thermal and solar panels provide hot water and heat when needed. Just as important, nearly every space in the building has daylight and views to the outdoors.

Case Study: Dearing Elementary School, Round Rock, Texas

Photo: Luis Ayala

Dearing Elementary School was one of the first zero-energy schools built in Central Texas. The 2-story, 93,376-square-foot school is a compact design that fits on a 7-acre site to save on energy costs. The planning process redefined the district’s vision on energy efficiency and led to a transformational facility design where this school acted as a catalyst for future zero-energy strategies for the school district. Design features included geothermal for electricity and heating, a sophisticated building energy management system, 100 percent LED lighting, advanced HVAC systems, and 100 percent daylight in each room. The design also incorporated insulated concrete forms (ICFs) for exterior walls. These combined strategies resulted in a EUI of 17 kBtu/ft², which is 76 percent lower than the average school in its climate zone. Polished concrete floors were used to reduce maintenance costs and increase the floor’s life cycle. Additionally, since the school is located in “Tornado Alley,” it was important for it to withstand extreme weather events, including 200 mile per hour winds and debris traveling at more than 100 mph. Engineering News-Record Texas & Louisiana gave this project a Best Green Project Award for 2015.

Case Study: St. Anne’s Belfield School, Charlottesville, Virginia

Photo courtesy of Bowie Gridley

St. Anne’s Belfield is a 4-story, 105,000-square-foot school. Educating students in pre-school through 8^th grade, it is also known as the Learning Village. This was a multi-building project with significant attention given to the use of sustainable technologies. The facility integrated several green elements, including a geothermal HVAC system, which has more than 100 wells that efficiently heat and cool the building. Large, energy-efficient windows bring natural light into the building to reduce its dependence on artificial lighting. The school also has an underground cistern with the capacity to store 75,000 gallons of rainwater and runoff for irrigation. Construction on the new school began in 2009 and was completed in mid-2010. The school features insulated concrete form (ICF) walls that make the building very energy efficient. ICF installation took only seven months of the entire construction schedule. When constructed, it was the first school in Virginia to be built with ICFs. The school secured LEED Gold certification, and due to the ICFs and other technologies, earned every available point in the Optimizing Energy Performance credit.