New Haven, CT — June 24, 2008 – The Barnard Environmental Magnet School in New Haven, CT, earned a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. This achievement was recognized by the Connecticut Building Congress with a first place Project Team Award for K-12 Schools.
Dewberry worked closely with Roberta Washington Architects, the Architect-of-Record for the new addition, and David Thompson Architects for the renovation of the existing elementary school building, to provide structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and complete site and civil engineering services.
The overall goal of the renovation and expansion of the Barnard Environmental Studies Magnet School was to create a new LEED-certifiable environmental magnet school comprised of the existing Barnard School, (a pre-K through fourth grade grammar school that was rehabilitated), a new addition, and nature center. The new Barnard Environmental Studies Magnet School houses approximately 600 pre-K through 8th grade students with a focus on environmental sciences.
“The Barnard school is unique statewide; there has never been another school like this and there may never be again,” said Ram Joglekar, Project Manager, Gilbane, New Haven School Construction Program. Unique features include:
• One of the largest photovoltaic systems in Connecticut.
• Two greenhouses and a courtyard garden.
• Data from the American Weather Service WeatherBug professional-grade weather station allows teachers to apply real-world weather conditions when teaching math, science and geography. These reports go to local television stations for broadcast.
• ELMO video presentation screens and “SmartBoard” computer laptops used in classrooms as teaching aids and for distance education.
• Computer lab and library allows distance learning.
• Fish hatchery for Atlantic salmon eggs ensures that this valuable food source is replenished when adult salmon are released into the Connecticut River.
• School-based health clinic suite.
• Nature center classroom in West River Memorial Park, a 1.2-mile linear park consisting of 200 acres of undeveloped water and brackish marsh. Students and faculty access the nature center via a 229-foot pedestrian bridge over State Route 10 in New Haven.The nature center looks out over the marsh and an osprey nesting stand; the osprey is the school’s mascot.
About Dewberry
Dewberry is a 1,955-person professional services firm, specializing in engineering, architectural, program management, planning, geographic information, and environmental services. Established in 1956, the firm has 34 offices nationwide, with headquarters in Fairfax, VA, near Washington, DC. Northeast offices include Bloomfield, Mt. Laurel, Parsippany, and Trenton, NJ; New York City and Rochester, NY; Boston, MA; New Haven, CT; and Carlisle, PA. For more information, visit www.dewberry.com.