Construction Zone: Setting a new standard

Valor Christian High School, Highlands Ranch, Colo., the state's first LEED-registered private high school, opened its doors last fall. The $73 million college-preparatory school will use about half the amount of energy as a standard public school, saving an estimated $65,000 per year.

Energy-efficient mechanical and electrical systems were installed to optimize performance and maximize indoor air quality. Daylighting was used, and low-emitting materials, including adhesives and sealants, paints, carpet systems and composite wood systems, were specified.

Throughout construction, 77 percent of the construction material was diverted from landfills and into recycling programs. Twenty percent of the materials in the building are made up of recycled content and sourced from regional suppliers. Synthetic turf will save about 5.5 million gallons of water each year compared with a traditional bluegrass field.

The architect is SLATERPAULL Architects (Denver). Saunders Construction, Inc. (Centennial, Colo.) is the general contractor/construction manager.