Add as a preferred source on Google

D.C. Elementary School Achieves Double Platinum Certification

  • By Matt Jones
  • 05/07/24

John Lewis Elementary School in Washington, D.C., recently became the first school in the award to be awarded both WELL and LEED certifications at the platinum level, according to a news release. As part of a three-step sustainability approach, the school is also aiming to become the first school in D.C. to achieve Net Zero Energy (NZE). The facility was designed by architecture and design firm Perkins Eastman DC.

The news release reports that the facility was designed to emphasize civic presence, community connectivity, the student experience, and student wellness.

“From the very beginning, the district wanted this project to establish a new benchmark for our ongoing investment in school facilities, with the aim of enhancing community sustainability and resilience—and fostering health and well-being among the students and teachers who use the building every day. Achieving ‘Double Platinum’ at John Lewis Elementary School celebrates the collaborative commitment involved in realizing this inspiring vision that will enable DC’s students and communities to thrive,” said Sean O’Donnell, FAIA, Perkins Eastman DC’s K12 Practice leader.

The WELL Platinum distinction came through the International WELL Building Institute’s (IWBI) WELL Building Standard. The LEED v4 Platinum distinction was awarded in March 2024 via the U.S. Green Buildings Council’s LEED for Building Design and Construction: School rating, according to the news release.

“DC Public Schools is dedicated to providing sustainable learning environments in which the district’s students can thrive,” said Shilpa Khatri, Deputy Chief of DCPS Facilities & School Planning. “In partnership with PEDC and DGS, we are excited that we were able to leverage John Lewis Elementary School’s unique site conditions and new construction opportunities to pilot a robust model of WELL certification, Net Zero design, and LEED certification. Our planning and design experience embodies ‘building as pedagogy,’ truly emphasizing the educational value in facilities and ensuring paths for long-term maintenance and durability,” said Khatri.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Recent University of Pennsylvania Projects Receive LEED Certifications

    The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Penn., recently announced that three of its recent construction projects have earned LEED certifications, according to university news. The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science and Technology (VLEST) received a LEED Platinum certification, Amy Gutmann Hall a LEED Gold, and the OTT Center for Track and Field a LEED silver.

  • Construction Begins on East Austin CTE-Focused High School

    The Del Valle Independent School District recently announced that construction has begun on a new CTE-focused high school in Austin, Texas, according to a news release. Del Valle High School will measure in at 473,338 square feet and have the capacity for 2,400 students.

  • University of Kansas Opens $400M Football Stadium Reconstruction

    The University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kan., recently announced that the $400-million reconstruction of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium is complete in time for the 2025 football season, according to a news release. The university partnered with Turner Construction Company on the project.

  • Armstrong World Industries Acquires Geometrik

    Armstrong World Industries, designer and manufacturer of interior and exterior architectural applications like ceilings, walls, and metal solutions, recently announced its acquisition of Canada-based Geometrik, according to a news release. The British Columbian Geometrik specializes in designing and manufacturing wood acoustical and wall systems.

Digital Edition