Everything Under The Sun: Green Energy Construction Becomes Reality In DC

Saturday, February 18, 2017

Green Energy Construction Becomes Reality In DC

Savings on a Smart Thermostat from Nest Learning.

Okay, let's see a show of hands, who doesn't want to use less energy and save money? Seriously, unless you are talking to someone who runs a dirty energy company, I doubt whether very many would answer "yes". If you live in the Nation's Capital, and want to reduce your energy footprint, you'd probably want to check out DC SUSTAINABLE ENERGY UTILITY (DCSEU).

Whether you are looking for greener energy for your home or business, DCSEU would have some recommendations. As a matter of fact, this organization is full of information. This organization also sells equipment that helps to reduce the amount of energy consumed, such items as smart thermostats, price breaks on energy-efficient equipment, fluorescent lighting upgrades, and solar photovoltaic cells for residential homes.

This organization also has an awards program. In fact, recently, DCSEU presented ISTUDIO architects with the 2016 Energy Savings Leader Award for its attention to designing 21st century learning environments. ISTUDIO became involved with the multi-phase modernization, and building an addition, to Powell Elementary School. Some of the features incorporated into the school included daylighting, natural ventilation, eco-friendly materials, and plans for green spaces and outdoor classrooms. DCSEU participated in this build, as well, by providing technical support for solar chimneys. DCSEU, ISTUDIO, and DC's Department of General Services worked together on educational displays to inform students about how all of the features worked. As a result, the school attained LEED certification.

In accepting the award, Principal Rick Harlan Schneider, of ISTUDIO, said, "We really appreciate this award from the DCSEU. ISTUDIO has a long history of incorporating sustainability and energy efficiency into the design of 21st century schools. Often times, design features like the ones at Powell are abandoned in the design phase. They may be incorrectly viewed as merely aesthetic rather than functional elements that will save energy and make the building more comfortable. The DCSEU helps us demonstrate the importance of these elements and see them through to the completion of construction.

Some employees of award-winning ISTUDIO.

Cory Chimka, of the DCSEU, explained further, "The DCSEU presented ISTUDIO with this award for their uncompromising commitment to sustainability, and making DC more beautiful and never compromising one for the other. The fact that these breathtaking structures are public purpose buildings like schools and recreation centers makes us especially proud of our partnership."