The Newton South High School underwent a major addition/renovation project that included solar panels, energy efficiency measures and other sustainable design features intended to improve environmental quality and enhance the learning environment for students. Project highlights include a 47.5 kW solar array on the field house roof and a 6.5 kW solar array on a south-facing field house awning, daylighting sensors that dim lights when adequate ambient light is present, occupancy sensors that turn lights off when rooms are not in use, a rainwater collection system that recycles rainwater for toilet flushing, and low VOC paints and sealants that improve air quality for the building occupants. The MTC Design and Installation Grant was used to install the solar system, which is projected to save over $8400 in energy costs annually. The remaining MTC grant is used by Newton for an educational program and curriculum enhancements that will institutionalize the school’s green elements as educational tools.
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