SCHRADERGROUP Principal Speaks to Arcadia University Doctoral Candidates about Sustainable Learning Environments

SCHRADERGROUP’s Principal, David Schrader, spoke on an expert panel in April about the increasing concerns for our environmental footprint and how academic institutions can participate in sustainability for the future through thoughtful building practices.

Included in that panel was Lorna Rosenburg who currently serves as the Green and Healthy Schools Program manager for US EPA Region 3 Mid-Atlantic and Megan Garner who is the Sustainability Development Manager at the School District of Philadelphia. Ms. Megan Garner provided an in-depth presentation on sustainable design practices currently undertaken by the School District of Philadelphia.

Mr. David Schrader provided a lengthy presentation on the benefits of sustainable design practices for educational facilities. The presentation included descriptions of various techniques for integrating sustainable design as well as the concept of the “School as a Teacher Tool.”

The panel’s presentation was well received. After the presentation, there was open discussion and questions from the Doctoral Candidates about the information provided by the panel.

SCHRADERGROUP has applied many of these sustainability design practices to our projects and approach all new projects with sustainability in mind especially to the degree that the stakeholders would want.

Some examples of sustainable initiatives commonly incorporated includes:

• high efficiency HVAC and control systems including central monitoring and automatic control systems
• ground source heat pumps
• solar hot water heater systems
• optimized energy performance
• gray water systems
• rain gardens (aiding with storm water control)
• storm water quantity/quality control
• reduced impervious coverage
• underground infiltration basins
• stormtech and bioswale recharge system combined with detention basins
• native plant landscaping
• high albedo / reflective roof systems for reduction of heat island effect
• operable windows
• roof monitors (allowing for bilateral daylight within classrooms and greatly reducing the need for artificial lighting)
• interior lighting utilizing automatic controls and occupancy sensors
• night sky-friendly lighting for light pollution reduction
• vegetative roof
• building materials with recycled content
• regional materials
• low emitting materials
• low flow, water saving fixtures
• recycled content materials
• certified wood products
• high insulating values for building envelope
• construction activity pollution protection and waste management
• where appropriate, reuse of existing furniture and equipment
• coordination of building energy commissioning
• acoustical analysis and design

Learn more on some of the projects we have applied sustainability design practices to:

• Bristol Township School District, New Elementary Schools
• Council Rock School District, Middle School Additions and Renovations
• Baltimore City Public Schools, Elementary/Middle School Additions and Renovations
• York Suburban School District, Elementary School New Facility
• State College Area School District, Elementary School Additions and Renovations
• State College Area School District, New Elementary School
• Bucks County Community College, County Campus Expansion and Renovations
• School District of Philadelphia, Engineering and Science High School Additions and Renovations