Spaces4Learning: Net Zero Design for Schools to Combat Rising Energy Costs

September 16, 2023 - In an article published in Spaces4Learning, Ryan Strandquest LEED AP, President of Matern Professional Engineering, discusses the idea of approaching net zero in schools, specifically through analyzing the use of renewable energy. Despite being known as the Sunshine State, Florida currently produces a mere 6% of its electricity needs from renewable sources such as solar. While that may not seem like much, Florida ranks fourth among all 50 states in solar and renewable energy production. Ryan details that school construction can move toward net zero by taking advantage of renewable energy incentives in an economically viable way.   

“Increasingly, such government mandates are driving more demand for a move toward net zero,” he writes. “But it’s a mix of mandates and incentives that provide schools with dollar-driven initiatives to improve their renewable power generation and reduction of greenhouse gases.” 

Furthermore, Ryan believes such economic incentives will help school construction remain at the forefront of sustainability. Creative solutions from designers and engineers offer solutions that will see long-term results well into the future. 

“While it is the right thing to do for the future of our schools, our children, and their children, the investment must make sound economic sense for schools to be willing to rebuild or retrofit facilities,” he wrote.

Read the story in full; click here.