Watervliet will always be the Garnet and Grey, but our facilities are going green!

Today is Earth Day and I thought this was great time to talk about the use of environmentally friendly technologies that we are utilizing as part of our construction and renovation projects. Watervliet will always be the Garnet and Grey, but our facilities are going green!

As many of you know, we are doing a great deal of construction and renovation to our schools here in Watervliet. These renovations have been well thought out and meticulously planned to enhance the learning environment for our students. In addition, we’ve also made a conscious effort to be environmentally friendly.

At the Watervliet Elementary School we have included many green systems that will help us conserve energy and shrink our “carbon footprint.”

Dedicated Outdoor Air Supply (DOAS) with Heat Recovery: This green technology delivers 100% fresh, outdoor air in a continuous stream to every area in our elementary school. More than 60% of the energy required to heat this air is recovered through the use of filtered exhaust which saves energy and reduces emissions.

Thermal Energy Storage: Watervliet Elementary School’s new air conditioning system utilizes an ice storage system that reduces demand during peak usage, translating to a 50% reduction in the energy needed to maintain comfortable temperatures in our classrooms. This system also reduces the humidity in the building reducing the risks of mold and dampness.

Chemical-Free Condenser Water Treatment System: Chemical Free water treatment reduces the environmental “foot print” of the school by eliminating toxic water treatment chemicals and utilizing an energy efficient, pulse powered system to treat condensed water. This system also saves water and reduces cost by eliminating the need for system purges or “blow downs.”

These efforts are just the start in making Watervliet City School District a greener district. The use of environmentally friendly systems and materials will also be a focus of the work that will begin this fall at the Jr./Sr. High School.

Keep an eye on our web site’s construction area for more on green technologies in our buildings.