Wilde Lake Middle School Earns LEED Premium Environmental Rating

December 13th, 2017

The new Wilde Lake Middle School has achieved LEED Platinum status, the highest sustainable building certification awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement. The Platinum rating confirms that the school is among the most energy-efficient school buildings in the country.

“The LEED Platinum designation underscores our system’s commitment to environmental sustainability and healthy learning environments,” said Interim Superintendent Michael J. Martirano. “Wilde Lake Middle School demonstrates the value of energy-conscious construction, and at the same time, serves as a valuable teaching tool for our staff and students.”

Completed in January 2017, the new Wilde Lake Middle School is the first net-zero energy school in the state. A net-zero energy building generates at least as much energy as it uses over the course of a year as a result of building system efficiencies and on-site renewable energy sources. Wilde Lake Middle School currently produces 55 percent more energy than it consumes, through the use of solar energy, a highly efficient geothermal system and building structure, and extensive day lighting.

A $2.8 million grant from the Maryland Energy Administration supported construction of the net-zero building components. County and state governments provided the remaining funding.

LEED standards guide all Howard County Public School System construction and renovation projects. Wilde Lake Middle School is the first HCPSS school to earn LEED Platinum designation. Atholton High School and Ducketts Lane Elementary School previously earned LEED Gold status, and eight other schools are certified LEED Silver.