Nazareth Area Middle School Awarded LEED Gold Certification

To accommodate a growing community and increasing student body, the Nazareth Area School District took a decidedly holistic approach to develop the new Nazareth Area Middle School to earn LEED (NCv2.2) Silver certification, but ultimately achieved LEED Gold certification in November 2012.  Housing over 1,000 7th and 8th grade students, the 230,000 sf school is located next to the existing high school creating a “campus” relationship that reduces bus traffic and gives the community convenient access to services offered by the two schools.  

A 574 kW array of rooftop solar panels provides between 60% and 80% of the school’s energy needs, while installed monitoring systems measure energy use and control the facility’s HVAC and mechanical equipment.  A lighting control system (including daylighting sensors) monitors lighting levels throughout the building and outdoor areas in order to adjust dimmable ballasts and daylighting shelves in classrooms.  Kiosks and web-based systems allow building occupants and visitors access to real-time and historic performance data, providing an invaluable tool for assessing environmental benefits and for sustainability education.  To maximize open space, storm water drainage and retention areas were creatively distributed throughout the 33.5-acre site, which also includes walking trails, outdoor classrooms, a greenhouse and composting site, along with numerous athletic fields, all containing water efficient landscaping.  

7group worked closely with the project team and D’Huy Engineering, leading the integrative design process and sharing LEED expertise throughout the design, specifications and documentation phases.  Daylighting analysis and energy modeling services provided by 7group reduced the school’s overall energy consumption by 54.1% through implementation of integrated energy saving measures throughout all aspects and spaces of the building, including the school’s auditorium, gymnasium and natatorium.  Fundamental and enhanced commissioning performed by 7group ensured all systems were installed and are functioning properly.  The middle school has since been named a 2013 Pennsylvania Pathways School and a Green Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education for 2012 and 2013 in recognition of the school’s continuing sustainability efforts.

Expanding 7group’s portfolio to 85 LEED certified and precertified projects, this achievement demonstrates our steadfast dedication to partnering with project teams striving to achieve more conscious designs.