Beach Elementary School Awarded Prestigious LEED Green Building Certification

Beach Elementary School has been awarded LEED Silver status in recognition of the sustainable practices used in the construction of the new building. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and an international symbol of excellence. Through design, construction and operations practices that improve environmental and human health, LEED-certified buildings are helping to make the world more sustainable.

Beach Elementary School achieved LEED certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions in areas including sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. Green buildings allow organizations to operate more sustainably and give the people inside them a healthier, more comfortable space to work.

Sustainability efforts achieved a 91% landfill waste diversion rate during construction and incorporated strategic design decisions that resulted in a 31% reduction in water use through site landscaping and water- saving fixtures. The new building features building-level metering, LED lighting, and an energy-efficient HVAC system, contributing to a 36% reduction in energy costs.

"The LEED Silver certification for Beach Elementary School highlights Calvert County Public Schools' leadership in sustainability and innovation," said Dr. Andraé Townsel, Superintendent of Calvert County Public Schools. "This recognition affirms our commitment to creating healthy, energy-efficient spaces where students and staff can excel while reducing our environmental impact. We are proud to set this standard for future generations and look forward to continuing these efforts in upcoming projects like Northern Middle School."

“LEED certification is the ultimate recognition of global green building leadership, signaling that a space has undergone rigorous third-party verification and meets the highest green building standards,” said Peter Templeton, president and CEO, USGBC. “The success of LEED is due to the partnership and support of those committed to advancing green building and sustainability. Each new LEED certification brings us one step closer to revolutionizing the spaces where we live, learn, work and play.”

The next major construction project undertaken by Calvert County Public Schools will be the replacement of Northern Middle School. Shuchita Warner, Director of Planning and Construction, said the new building will be designed to meet high sustainability standards, through the Green Globes certification system.