Rebuilding New Orleans
Green Schools New Orleans
In 2004, Global Green launched a new effort, The Green Schools Initiative, focused on greening K-12 schools. When Global Green expanded its effort in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, schools became a critical component of its rebuilding efforts there. The goal of this initiative is to create healthier classrooms and more energy efficient schools that in turn improve student performance and save money for school districts, while helping to protect the environment and reducing carbon emissions. The Green Schools Initiative has been made possible by a grant from the Bush Clinton Katrina Fund.
The Green Seed Schools program is the first component of the Green Schools Initiative. Five schools will be selected and designated as "Green Seed Schools." Each school will receive up to $75,000 in grant funds toward energy audits, technical assistance, and improvements to increase energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and if feasible, create on-site renewable energy generation. To date, two of the five schools have been completed, one is in progress, and two have yet to be determined. Global Green hopes to utilize the upgrades at these schools to help educate students, teachers, and the community of how important green schools are for the rebirth of New Orleans.
GREEN SEED SCHOOL #1: A.P TUREAUD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
A.P. Tureaud Elementary School is the first Green Seed School selected and completed by Global Green. It is located in the Seventh Ward and it was designed by E.A. Christy and constructed in 1939.
An energy audit conducted in June 2007 determined that the building is ranked in the bottom 29th percentile for energy performance with a total of 530,331 KWh of electricity and 9,271 ccf of natural gas used annually (combined Btu of 2,765,859,803). This amount of energy usage translates into nearly $80,000 per year in utility expenses. The carbon dioxide emissions were also estimated to be 15.8% higher than an industry average facility.
The Global Green upgrades will save the school an estimated $26,588 in utility costs and reduce the carbon emissions by 220,216 lbs annually. This investment will pay for itself in approximately 2.5 years. In order to achieve these savings, Global Green enacted the following:
- Solar shades were installed in classrooms to help control solar heat gain, reduce glare, and improve natural lighting within the classrooms.
- Occupancy sensors were also installed in each classroom to reduce the length of time lights are left on when classrooms are unoccupied. During the energy audit, it was observed that approximately 75% of the lights remained on throughout the evening hours when the classrooms were unoccupied. This simple retrofit can reduce annual lighting needs by 25% or more with an utility cost savings of approximately $9000 annually.
- All incandescent light bulbs were replaced with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) with the assistance of Green Light New Orleans volunteers.
- Doors and windows were caulked and weatherstripped to reduce air leakage into the school and missing window panes were also replaced.
- In addition, Global Green took the extra step to negotiate with the building automation company to inspect the system which controls the HVAC equipment and ensure that the thermostat set points are adjusted based on current occupancy loads and seasonal schedules.
In addition to implementing these green upgrades, Global Green identified strategies that can be incorporated into routine custodial and maintenance practices at little or no cost. Some of these strategies include making sure lighting systems, office equipment, and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning equipment is turned off or in energy saving modes during weekends and extended holiday periods; closing windows when heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning equipment are operating; changing filters each month and inspecting the boilers each quarter for safety as well as efficiency.
GREEN SEED SCHOOL #2: THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
The International School, formerly known as the Andrew Jackson Elementary School, is the second Green Seed School selected and recently completed by Global Green. The 82-year old school is located in the Lower Garden District, and like A.P. Tureaud Elementary School, was also designed by A.E. Christy.
Utility data was collected from August 2006 until August 2007 and an energy audit was performed to guide the green energy efficient upgrades. Analysis of the utility bills showed the electrical consumption to be 552,800 KWh and the natural gas consumption to be 3,527 ccf annually (combined Btu of 2,253,000,000). The combined energy cost for this annual period was $69,908.
The Global Green upgrades will save the school an estimated $21,781 in utility costs and reduce the carbon emissions by 177,109 lbs annually. This investment will pay for itself in approximately 3.5 years. In order to achieve these savings, Global Green enacted the following:
- Higher wattage fluorescent lamps were replaced with lower wattage fluorescent lamps, thus reducing the wattage and energy used while still providing the same light output. In addition light fixtures in the Library Annex were replaced with more energy efficient light fixtures that require fewer fluorescent lamps and provide more light output.
- Solar shades were installed in all East, West, and South facing classrooms to reduce solar heat gain, reduce glare, and improve natural lighting within the classrooms.
- Occupancy sensors were installed in all classrooms and will reduce the length of time lights are left on when classrooms are unoccupied, especially from 7:00 pm to 6:30 am.
- A radiant barrier water heater blanket was also installed on a 38-gallon natural gas water heater that feeds hot water to the kitchen. This easy green retrofit insulates the water in the tank so it stays hot longer and reduces the amount of energy needed to heat the water.
- In addition, a rainwater cistern was installed at the site of the future arts and music facility to be used as an educational tool to teach students about water use and conservation. This 1500 gallon cistern will be used to capture and filter rainwater for the irrigation of nearby green spaces, raised garden beds, and fruit trees.
In addition to implementing these green upgrades, Global Green identified strategies that can be incorporated into routine custodial and maintenance practices at little or no cost. Some of these strategies include having window shades drawn down on the East side of the building during the morning and on the West side of the building during the afternoon; training the staff, particularly the custodial staff, to turn off lights in unoccupied areas such as the hallways and the cafeteria after school hours; and ensuring that the thermostat set points for the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning equipment is adjusted properly based on the seasons and occupancy levels.
GREEN SEED SCHOOL #3: DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Dr. Martin Luther King Elementary School, Global Green's third Green Seed School, is currently in process to receive green upgrades. Utility data was collected covering the months of June 2007 until May 2008 and an energy audit was conducted. Energy Conservation Measures (ECM) are currently being identified and expected to be implemented by September 2008.
The Model Green Schools program is the second and more ambitious phase of the Green Schools Initiative. This program will result in the creation of high performance showcase green schools including the major rehabilitation of one school and the new construction of another school over the course of the next two years.
The two Model Green Schools will receive over $720,000 (combined) worth of green upgrades and technical assistance with a goal of achieving LEED for Schools Silver certification. LEED is a third-party certification program and nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. The Model Green Schools program will allow for a comprehensive menu of improvements that will contribute to model green environmental conditions in the building such as improved acoustics, lighting, and indoor air quality, and greater reductions in water and energy use. The two Model Green Schools will be announced in the near future.
MODEL GREEN SEED SCHOOL #1: ANDREW H. WILSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Global Green has committed $300,000 plus technical expertise to Andrew H. Wilson Elementary School and to the Recovery School District to enable green renovations as part of the school's rebuilding effort.
The Wilson Elementary School sustained significant damage from wind and flood waters due to Hurricane Katrina and the levee failures. It is the only school in the Broadmoor neighborhood and it was designed by E.A. Christy and constructed in 1928. Wilson School will be a "Model Green School," where the extensive rebuilding will allow for a comprehensive menu of improvements that will contribute to model green environmental conditions in the building such as improved acoustics, lighting, and indoor air quality, and greater reductions in water and energy usage
The Wilson project will include a complete restoration of the existing building which is approximately 37,000 sf and two additions totaling 43,000 sf. The new building additions will include a gymnasium, cafeteria, and additional art and music classroom space. The existing building will be renovated to modern standards while preserving the historical characteristics of the original building. 
With the help of the Recovery School District, which has committed to seeking LEED Silver status for the school, and financial and technical assistance from Global Green, a design team will integrate the highest standards of efficiency and sustainability when applying needed structural improvements. The Wilson School will incorporate more than 40 specific green measures that will enhance building and student performance. Some green features that Global Green is committed to funding include:
- 12-15 Solar Domestic Hot Water panels that will be installed above the kitchen to serve 90% of the hot water demand for the kitchen.
- One 12,000-gallon above ground cistern that will collect and store rainwater for irrigation purposes.
- Web-based display technology that will illustrate energy and water usage. The school will be able to use the data for educational purposes and to monitor carbon offset.
- Wetland habitat with 90% native species to serve as an outdoor educational classroom and to reduce the quantity and improve the quality of stormwater leaving the site.
- Interpretive signage to be posted in and around the school to identify and provide information about the school's green technology.
The design of the Wilson School also includes space allocated for photovoltaic panels to supply renewable energy to the school. Global Green is currently soliciting donations to fund the purchase and installation of these panels, which would be installed over the entrance canopy on one of the new additions to the school.
Global Green is proud to take this next step in helping New Orleans build green and feels that the Wilson School will not only serve as an important model for all of the rebuilding of schools in the city, but it will also be a stimulus for rebuilding Broadmoor in a sustainable way.
RELATED DOCUMENTS
Energy Efficiency in Green Building Design
Incorporating Green into School Curriculum
State and Local Policy Possibilities