Sustainability
Sustainability goals were heavily featured in the Issue 13 bond levy campaign for Phase 1 school construction, passed by voters in November 2023.
The campaign website featured a page focusing on
This page included specific sustainability commitments:
"The passage of Issue 13 in November will create unique opportunities to incorporate strategic sustainable building techniques into the design, construction, and continuing operation of our historic school buildings. It will also provide an opportunity to re-think site usage including water management, and how to connect students better with our outdoor spaces.
What are some of the things that you will see at newly renovated schools? Energy efficient, healthy buildings. Chargers for electric vehicles. Low draw LED lighting with sensors that adjust light levels based on ambient light. Zoned environmental controls so that classroom spaces can respond to needs individually so that no space need be over-cooled or over-heated because of comfort needs in another part of the building. Use of low VOC materials where possible in construction. Embedded sustainable practices.
Our Focus
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Sustainable Site Design
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Energy Efficiency
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Water Efficiency
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Healthy School Environment
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Curriculum
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Community Engagement
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Environmental Justice
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Outdoor Teaching and Learning
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Waste Reduction and diversion
Every Shaker Heights OFCC-funded renovation project will achieve LEED Silver certification, and our aim is to surpass that if possible."
LEED refers to "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design", a certification program for sustainable buildings administered by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).
A sample LEED checklist for the proposed new school projects was also linked on this page.
The School District engaged a consultant to assess opportunities for integrating sustainable design, construction, and operations across District facilities:
Sustainability Master Emerald Built
Plan Consultant: Environments
Consultant Fee: $69,500
Project Schedule:
Plan Start February 2025
Plan Completion December 2025
Additionally, each school project is intended to be LEED certified. Progress so far:
Ludlow Pre-K: Preliminary pre-construction
LEED Score of 53 (Silver)
According to the USGBC project directory, certification documentation has not yet been filed.
Woodbury: Preliminary pre-construction
LEED Score of 57 (Silver)
LEED scores provide a rough yardstick for incorporation of sustainability measures, but just because a design feature scores points doesn't necessarily mean it corresponds to District and community needs and values.
Good questions to ask about sustainable design strategies:
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What approaches will yield the most benefits for the health and performance of students and teachers?
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Are there additional upgrades and investments we could make now that will improve durability and reduce operating costs, yielding paybacks that contribute to the future stability of the District's facilities and finances?