Maryland Net Zero Energy Schools Program

Photo Credit: 2RW

Maryland Net Zero Energy Schools Program

Columbia and Baltimore, MD

Owner

Maryland Department of General Serice, Maryland Energy Administration (MEA)

Sustainability

Net Zero Energy School

Timeframe

2013 – 2014

Size

Varies

Cost

$9 million

2RW provides mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection (MEP/FP) engineering for the Maryland Net Zero Energy Schools Program, a statewide initiative to deliver net zero-ready school facilities. In this role, 2RW collaborates with multiple design teams to integrate high-performance building systems that support energy efficiency, low environmental impact, and long-term operational sustainability. The work includes system design strategies that reduce energy consumption, support the integration of renewable energy sources, and create resilient, healthy indoor environments for students and staff across participating school projects.

Project Goals

The Maryland Net Zero Energy Schools Program was launched to support the construction of three Net Zero Energy schools in Maryland in the Baltimore Gas and Electric service territory. The program is a partnership between the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) and the Public School Construction Program (PSCP) in conjunction with participating county school districts. Several architecture and engineering firms were contracted to design the schools, provide Net Zero Energy building support, and review and validate the energy efficiency design components.

Services

Under this program, 2RW provided peer review services for the MEP design of two schools: Wilde Lake Middle School and Graceland Park/O’Donnell Elementary/Middle School. 2RW conducted design reviews for schematic, detailed, and construction design phases. These reviews provided guidance on adjustments and strategies that would ensure the schools achieved both the annual energy consumption goal of less than 25 kBtu/SF and Net Zero Energy status.

Results

Wilde Lake Middle School became Maryland’s first Net Zero Energy school with its efficient design and solar photovoltaic (PV) system. It is expected to consume just 24.5 kBtu/sf of energy per year.
The two elementary/middle schools—Holabird Academy and Graceland Park – O’Donnell—are state-of-the-art learning environments that replace two existing pre-K-8 schools. They are Baltimore City Public Schools’ first Net Zero Energy facilities.
These prototype schools will demonstrate Baltimore’s focus on project-based learning, sustainability, and energy-conscious design for urban schools in urban environments.

Partners

Stantec
SRA International

Awards

Team