LEED in Minnesota
Elk River Area School District #728
One of CenterPoint Energy's customers, Elk River Area School District #728, built the first LEED-certified building in the State of Minnesota and has received national attention for its Westwood Elementary School project in Zimmerman. Some of the features that earned LEED points for Westwood are:
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Passive heating and cooling specifically designed for this climate
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Ventilation and heat recovery systems that reduce energy consumption by 35 percent over standard systems
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One hundred day-lighting and indirect fixtures for lighting power consumption
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Right-sized chiller
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Occupancy sensors that conserve on lighting and ventilation
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Highly efficient window glass
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Special flooring that is long-lasting and easier to maintain
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Durable, 30-year roofing
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Low maintenance paint
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Energy efficient landscaping
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Water reduction measures
The following efficient natural gas systems were included in the Westwood Elementary LEED-certified project:
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High efficiency boilers
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High efficiency water heaters
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Energy recovery system
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High efficiency foodservice equipment
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Desiccant displacement system
After Westwood's first year of operation, the energy performance of the school is outstanding. Dr. Ron Bratlie, former director of special projects for the district, said he expected 30 percent less in operating costs over a school built to code, or $50,000 to $60,000 in annual energy savings.
Bratlie and his team worked closely with CenterPoint Energy throughout their project and received substantial rebates on the high efficiency natural gas equipment they installed, significantly lowering start-up costs.
