FSi provided pro bono mechanical support for design of the SEED net-zero classroom prototype building. The Sustainable Education Every Day (SEED) classroom is a net-zero energy use, net-zero water use, and completely non-toxic learning environment. It has a 100-year expected life, and costs 60% less to operate than a conventional portable classroom building. FSi’s services included energy modeling and consulting on energy usage for SEED’s prototype. We worked with SEED to redesign the building’s mechanical system and supported its installation at the Living Future Conference in Seattle in 2013. The first SEED classroom is now in use at the Perkins School in Seattle’s Maple Leaf neighborhood and is certified as an ILFI Living Building.
A decade later, we had the opportunity to be the MEP engineer for another SEED Classroom, this time for Montgomery Parks, at Black Hill Regional Park in Boyds, Maryland. FSi’s scope for the new environmental education classroom included design of a DOAS unit and mini-splits, plumbing for hand-washing sinks, and rainwater collection for a green wall. FSi also designed the fire alarm and lighting systems and provided performance-based design for a solar panel system. A rainwater catchment system provides water for a green wall and irrigation. The system has UV purification and multistage particulate filtration to meet the county’s requirements for rainwater cleanliness. We integrated a composting toilet into the design of the building, coordinating with the architect, civil engineer, and contractor.
Non-toxic classrooms are a no-brainer. So is providing sustainable housing for people in need.
