Skip to main content
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

  • Moline-Coal Valley School District to Consolidate Two Schools into New Facility

    The Moline-Coal Valley School District in Moline, Ill., recently broke ground on a new elementary school that will consolidate the students and staff from two existing schools, according to local news. Robert Ontiveros Elementary School will serve as the new home for Lincoln-Irving Elementary School and Willard Elementary School.

  • Tennessee Middle School Completes Health, Life Safety Renovations

    The Giles County Board of Education in Pulaski, Tenn., recently announced that a series of renovation projects has been completed at Bridgeforth Middle School, according to a news release. The district partnered with Wold Architects & Engineers and Brindley Construction to modernize building systems at one of the district’s oldest schools.

  • Cal Poly Humboldt Starts Construction on Healthcare Education Hub

    California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt in Arcata, Calif., recently announced that work has begun on a renovation project that will turn the Stewart Building into a new Healthcare Education Hub, according to a news release. The university is partnering with Sundt Construction Inc. for construction services.

  • Deferred Maintenance Issues Growing at Universities, Gordian Reports

    U.S. colleges and universities are falling increasingly behind on facilities maintenance and repair, according to Gordian’s 13th annual State of Facilities in Higher Education report. The deferred capital renewal burden has reached $156 per gross square foot, an 8% increase over the previous year.