The Vail Academy and High School, located in the U of A Science and Tech. Park, is the Vail School District’s first LEED project. The faculty is developing their technology- and engineering-oriented curriculum to use the sustainable building and site features as teaching tools. These features include active and passive rainwater harvesting, native vegetation, natural and high-efficiency mechanical ventilation, daylighting, and a highly insulated building envelope. In addition, energy is generated on site by photovoltaic panels and wind generators. By utilizing a series of central courtyards which serve as informal teaching and gathering areas, all offices and classrooms receive daylight. Certified LEED Gold using the LEED for Schools rating program, this project is an example that sustainable design can be affordable.
