Numerous sustainable features at New Vista boost efficiency and comfort

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Earlier this year, the New Vista school community and BVSD celebrated a much-anticipated milestone as students and staff started the second semester of the school year in their brand new building. The new school is remarkable not only because it was designed specifically to support New Vista’s innovative program but also because it joins the ranks of BVSD’s most sustainable schools. The new school is part of the $350M Building for Student Success program supported by voters in 2022. 

The new building is designed to be 26% better than code baseline for annual energy costs and is expected to reduce energy consumption by over 60% compared to the existing building. Its energy use will compare with BVSD’s other top performing school buildings--LEED Platinum-certified Casey Middle School and Meadowlark School. The roof is solar ready and staff are exploring what it would take to add a PV system. 

As a district, BVSD has made an organizational commitment to sustainability through policy and the Sustainability Action Plan. Goals set in the Action Plan establish measurable benchmarks for our efforts to protect student and staff health; combat climate change, conserve energy, water, and other natural resources; and reduce waste and pollution.

To support our design partners to help us build more innovative and sustainable schools, we've developed Green Building Guiding Principles and updated our technical specifications to reflect our sustainability values. New construction uses the LEED rating system to guide design. Although BVSD isn’t pursuing LEED certification for the building, design team calculations indicate it could earn a silver designation. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT GREEN BUILDING IN BVSD

The Board of Education’s decision to construct the new school on the same site takes advantage of nearby public transit and existing bike lanes and paths to give students and staff easy access to sustainable transportation options. In addition, there will be plentiful bike racks, preferred parking for carpools, and at least four EV charging stations, which will be available for public use after hours.

The landscape plan for the campus features outdoor learning areas, a student garden and green open space over 60% of the site. Over 100 trees will be planted, along with other low water use plants. An artificial turf field will further reduce water needs. 

With better temperature control, modern LED lighting, abundant natural light and outdoor views, the building will be much more comfortable for students and staff than the previous building. 

Low VOC materials and modern ventilation will also create a healthier indoor environment. Monitors on the building’s fresh air intakes will ensure proper ventilation, and building occupants also have the option to open windows when they would like. 

Over the coming months crews will be demolishing the existing building and completing landscaping and site work. The entire project is on target to wrap up in September and will be celebrated with an official ribbon cutting and open house.

BVSD is incredibly thankful to our generous community for supporting the 2022 Building for Student Success program and for understanding the importance of modern, efficient and comfortable learning environments.