Beverly Farms ES Earns Gold LEED Certification

August 21, 2014

Fifteen MCPS schools have earned recognition from U.S. Green Building Council

Beverly Farms Elementary School has been awarded Gold Level certification from the U.S. Green Building Council—the 15th school in MCPS to receive this certification.

The Potomac school, which opened in January 2013, earned the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Level designation for design and expected performance in sustainable site design, energy efficiency and indoor air quality, water efficiency, and materials and resources. The project also earned the highest score for Innovation in Design.

MCPS has 14 other Gold LEED-certified schools: Cannon Road, Carderock Springs, Cashell, Cresthaven, Farmland, Garrett Park, William B. Gibbs, Jr., Glenallan, Great Seneca Creek, Seven Locks and Flora M. Singer elementary schools; Cabin John and Francis Scott Key middle schools, and Paint Branch High School. Recent construction projects are also expected to be LEED-certified, including the new Wilson Wims Elementary School in Clarksburg, which opens on Monday.

At Beverly Farms, the school is equipped with a geothermal exchange heating and cooling system, a vegetative roof to reduce run-off, low VOC-emitting paints, flooring and other interior finishes; water-conserving plumbing fixtures; a high level of construction waste recycling; and a creative design to bring daylight into classrooms and major spaces.

MCPS has a comprehensive districtwide program to reduce the environmental footprint of its facilities, including recycling initiatives, energy conservation efforts, and a commitment to green construction practices in all building projects.

Four MCPS schools have earned the National Green Ribbon Schools award from the U.S. Department of Education—Francis Scott Key Middle School, and Cedar Grove, Summit Hall and Travilah elementary schools. The awards recognize schools that save energy, reduce costs, feature environmentally sustainable learning spaces, foster health and wellness, and offer environmental education to boost academic achievement and community engagement. In addition, in 2013, MCPS received the inaugural District Sustainability Award, which recognizes school systems that demonstrate a comprehensive approach to sustainability. MCPS was one of 14 honorees nationally.

Read more about MCPS’ environmental sustainability efforts

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