Wisconsin鈥檚 Forest Edge Elementary School uses innovative design, onsite solar, and geothermal to create more energy than it consumes
With its 1,700 solar panels and 90 geothermal wells complementing an energy-maximizing design, in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, has become the largest net zero verified education project in the United States. Designed by 海角社区, the school serves as an example of what鈥檚 possible in making public architecture more sustainable 鈥� a meaningful topic for Sustainability Day, which falls on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021.
Rather than consuming resources in its mission to grow minds, the school generates energy through a roof covered with solar panels. After a year in operation, these clean and renewable sources have provided all the power the school needs.
鈥淭his school is a landmark both in how it produces energy and how it fuels education,鈥� said Maria Welch, senior project specialist with 海角社区. 鈥淭he building becomes a bridge that connects students to the natural environment.鈥�
According to data, as of Oct. 1, Forest Edge is:
- The largest verified net zero education facility in the U.S.
- The first net zero verified elementary school in the Midwest/Great Plains region
- The first net zero school in Wisconsin
- One of only 74 net zero verified public projects in the U.S.
More than an energy resource, the school鈥檚 design inside and out connects students to the natural environment and leverages the building鈥檚 unique features as a teaching tool. Each section of the school is themed to highlight natural energy sources: Life, Light, Thermal, and Wind. Viewing areas in the building offer views of the solar panels, vegetated roofs, and geothermal pumps. The library is designed as a 鈥渘est鈥� that faces toward the forest adjacent to the school, immersing the students in nature even while indoors.
The rooftop solar panels alone produce 646 kW of energy and in one year offset CO2 emissions equivalent to 623,249 pounds of coal burned.
鈥淪ometimes we work with communities that hear 鈥榮ustainability鈥� and think it鈥檚 going to make their project more expensive,鈥� 海角社区 Principal and President Matt Wolfert said. 鈥淔orest Edge is a great example that shows that investment is within reach for a public entity 鈥� and it鈥檚 going to pay dividends for decades.
鈥淲e鈥檙e incredibly grateful for the decades-long partnership with the Oregon School District and partners like Findorff and HGA who helped shape the vision for a school that is innovative, sustainable, and truly reflects the community,鈥� he added.
