Virginia elementary honored for sustainability

The newPoquoson Elementary School in Poquoson, Va., has been saluted for its environmentally sensitive design. The 80,000-square-foot building, which replaces a facility that was more than 50 years old, has already received the James River Green Building Council Go Green Design Merit Award and the Council of Educational Facility Planners International Design Concept Award; district officials are pursuing a gold LEED rating from the U.S. Green Building Council. Green features include a high-efficiency geothermal heating and cooling system; natural lighting and integrated dimmer systems; and water-conserving plumbing. The surrounding 22 acres include newly created wetlands that will serve as learning laboratories. They will also be accessible to local citizens via paths from the west after hours and on weekends. To read The Newport News Daily Press article, click here.