Woodland Hill Montessori School Lauded for ‘Green’ Investments

September 22, 2009

Albany, NY— The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority presented the Woodland Hill Montessori School with a High Performance Building plaque today in recognition of the energy efficiency and environmental sustainability investments the school has made as part of its commitment to reduce energy costs and protect the environment. Woodland Hill is the seventeenth recipient of a High Performance Building Plaque, which are presented to schools, libraries, hospitals and other institutions whose buildings are designed to perform at least 30 percent above the New York State Energy Conservation Construction Code through improved energy efficiency and building energy management.

“The High Performance Building Plaque presented to the Woodland Hill Montessori School today underscores the integral role schools throughout the State play in teaching young students the importance of energy efficiency and environmental conservation,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA. “NYSERDA applauds Woodland Hill for their commitment to achieve their energy reduction goals and we look forward to partnering with more education institutions as we work to realize Governor David A. Paterson’s vision of a Clean Energy Economy, built on knowledge, technology, and innovation.”

“The visionary educator, Dr. Maria Montessori, taught us 'The land is where are roots are. The children must be taught to feel and live in harmony with the Earth.' Reflecting this Montessori principle of respect and care for our earth, our new addition embodies a commitment to green values and a connection to our natural surroundings,” said Susan Kambrich, Head of the Woodland Hill Montessori School. “The Woodland Hill Montessori School community is committed to environmental stewardship. We are pleased to be presented with the High Performance Building Plaque in recognition of our dedicated efforts.”

Woodland Hill’s construction project consisted of adding 11,000 square feet of new gymnasium, lobby, and conference room space, as well as two new classrooms, to the existing school. Through NYSERDA’s New Construction program, Woodland Hill qualified for $28,000 in financial incentives to help offset the purchase and installation costs of the energy efficiency measures, some of which include: enhanced wall insulation and energy-efficient windows, enhanced roof insulation, high efficiency lighting and occupancy sensors, and demand controlled ventilation.

As a result of this investment, Woodland Hill is anticipated to reduce their energy consumption by more than 22,800 kWh, the equivalent of the electricity consumed by 3 single family homes each year, and avoiding approximately 50 kW of peak summer demand. An energy model indicates the annual energy costs of the Woodland Hill addition, as designed, are less than half the costs of a similar addition that just meets NYS Energy Conservation Construction Code standards.

“I would like to congratulate the Woodland Hill Montessori School and school officials for their hard work in making important energy efficient and environmentally friendly improvements. This is a great illustration of how to utilize new technologies so they will have a positive effect on our communities,” said State Senator Roy McDonald.

The New Construction program has awarded 16 High Performance Building plaques to participating customers throughout the State. Previous recipients include the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, Empire State College, Complexions Day Spa, and Fillpoint LLC. The program’s goal is to effect a permanent transformation in the way buildings are designed and constructed by offering technical support to building design teams and financial incentives to building owners. In addition, the program offers services and incentives to building owners and designers to encourage green building practices, as well as funding for commissioning, peak-load reduction, and advanced solar and day-lighting technologies. State and local governments, schools, health-care facilities, and not-for-profit organizations that pay into the System Benefits Charge are eligible for incentives.

CONTACT:

Sal Graven, NYSERDA
518-862-1090, ext 3331
sg2@nyserda.ny.gov

Moira Rienzo, Woodland Hill Montessori School
518-283-5400 ext.32
moira@woodlandhill.org