By Devin Sherrill
Bryant Public Schools Communications Director
Bryant Public Schools continues to honor[more] the commitment made to the community and its current and future students to protect their health, investments and environment.
The newly constructed Bryant High School was recently awarded Silver level of certification through the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Completed in 2012, the new addition to the high school is the third building in the Bryant School District to achieve LEED certification.
“We are proud to share this great distinction and lead our community and state in this
effort,” said Superintendent Randy Rutherford. “Achieving the Silver level of LEED certification demonstrates Bryant School District’s long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Green schools are healthier for students and teachers, better for the environment and cost less to operate and maintain.”
The new 118,288 square foot LEED certified building is home to 30 classrooms, administrative offices, art rooms, business labs, and large media rooms available for professional development and community meetings. The facility features natural daylighting, energy efficient mechanical equipment, smart classrooms, sustainable lighting, and optimal ventilation systems for high quality indoor air.
LEED is a voluntary third-party verified green building rating system that addresses the site, water energy, materials, and indoor environmental quality of the facility. The LEED certification of the Bryant High School addition was also based on building achievements that have a positive impact on the facility itself and the broader community such as vegetated open space, incentives for alternate forms of transportation and recycled construction materials.
“Green school design is a teaching tool for our students and community. The building offers an interactive energy education kiosk to inform the public about the green features and energy savings. Community members are welcome to visit the new high school and learn more,” said Devin Sherrill, Director of Communications for Bryant.
The addition to the Bryant High School campus was designed by Jackson Brown Palculict Architects and constructed by James Cone Construction. Viridian provided LEED Consulting, Fundamental and Enhanced Commissioning, Indoor Air Quality Testing, Measurement and Verification, Daylight Testing, and Building Envelope Commissioning.
