Green Case Study: Richland County School District Two Institute of Innovation

GREEN CASE STUDY RICHLAND COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT TWO

INSTITUTE OF INNOVATION

RICHLAND TWO INSTITUTE OF INNOVATION

This 200,000 square foot educational innovation center provides a leading-edge, multi-generational learning hub for the Sandhills community in Columbia, SC. The unique program includes spaces for community use, a student innovation center, District administration offices, a conference center, and a branch library, all organized along a light-filled central spine.

RICHLAND TWO INSTITUTE OF INNOVATION

The flexible 21st century learning environment will adapt to changing programs, evolving technologies, and future expansion. The R2i2 learning area which anchors the building is available to all the District’s high school students, and offers a curriculum focused on advanced STEM and vocational programs. Classrooms with roll-up garage door access open to a large collaboration area for project-based student activities with access to outdoor learning areas. An “incubator” space encourages students to interface with business partners and professionals to solve real-world business challenges.

The project not only incorporates sustainable strategies for improved building performance and wellness for the occupants, but also puts these strategies on full display as an integral part of the curriculum. A Student Energy Lab powered by a ground-mounted solar array teaches students about next-generation energy sources, while a rooftop solar array, windmill, and “solar tree” offset energy use for the building. An underground cistern collects rainwater for irrigation, and a solar hot water thermal system pre-heats water for food services.

RICHLAND TWO INSTITUTE OF INNOVATION

Site

• Native landscaping • Close proximity to shopping and services • Three electric car charging stations

RICHLAND TWO INSTITUTE OF INNOVATION

Water

• Erosion control measures during construction • 10,000 gallon underground rainwater cistern used for landscape irrigation and community garden • Water-conserving fixtures

RICHLAND TWO INSTITUTE OF INNOVATION

Energy

• High-performance HVAC systems • 1.8 kW wind turbine to provide renewable energy for the building • 285 kW, 936 panel rooftop solar system (sized to maximize the utility company’s incentive rate for public schools) • 13.5 kW from the ground mounted PV solar panels • Solar hot water thermal system to pre-heat water for food services (can produce up to 536 kBTU/ per day) • 1.5 kW “solar tree” to welcome students to the building and demonstrate nextgeneration energy

RICHLAND TWO INSTITUTE OF INNOVATION

Materials

• Diversion of 83% of construction waste • Detailed Construction Environmental Management Plan • Recycled and local materials

RICHLAND TWO INSTITUTE OF INNOVATION

Indoor Environment

• Daylighting and views to nature • Engine shut-off requests for all site deliveries • Indoor/outdoor teaching spaces with roll-up garage doors

RICHLAND TWO INSTITUTE OF INNOVATION

Building as Teaching Tool

• Instructional energy lab to demonstrate renewable energy technologies, powered by its own photovoltaic solar farm array • Project-specific curriculum written to SC Science Standards leading to a solar installer certification for students in consultation with the Institute of Innovation staff • Hydrogen cell for demonstration • 60 solar panels with a ground-mounted racking system, 250 watts each • Data and weather station monitoring system with battery bank storage to report irradiance, cell temperature, DC and AC voltage, kW power, wind speed and daily, monthly and yearly kW production.

RICHLAND TWO INSTITUTE OF INNOVATION

Awards & Recognitions NATIONAL • Learning by Design magazine - Citation of Excellence • Engineering News Record - Best Projects - Green Award • Green Globes - 2 Green Globes

REGIONAL • Associated Building Contractors, NC,SC - Carolinas Green Award • Associated Building Contractors, NC,SC - Honor Award for Excellence in Construction

LOCAL • State of South Carolina - “Outstanding Continuing Education Cooperative” with Midlands Technical College • AIA SC - “unbuilt” category, design/planning award • A4LE SC Honor Award

LIBRARY • National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the highest honor in the nation for libraries.

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