Solar-Powered High School Will be Greenest in the Nation
By ANNIE GEFFROY
Updated 5:33 PM PDT, Mon, Nov 16, 2009
The City of Angels is set to be home to the greenest high school ever built. South Region High School #15 will be America’s first high school that will generate 100% of its own electricity.
The high school will conserve energy by using solar panels and 36 wind turbines in conjunction with a green roof, shaded and operable windows and day lighting.
The buildings have been specifically positioned to let in sea breezes and maximize natural light during the day. Specific energy saving insulating materials will also be used to cut down on energy consumption in the 115,000 square foot structure.
Furthermore, the size of the school has been limited to preserve the natural space around it. Only plant species that are native to California will be used in landscaping the site.
The Los Angeles-based architecture firm responsible for the idea, CO Architects, is known across the nation for its innovative green projects, specifically their work on colleges, universities, hospitals and schools.
This is not the first facility that CO has designed in LA. They have also worked with the University of California as well as the Los Angeles Community College district, always seeking the ultimate balance between functionality and sustainability.
The school will be a part of the Los Angeles Unified School district and is scheduled to be completed in 2012.
First Published: Nov 16, 2009 1:09 PM PDT
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