GES is providing mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection engineering services for the design of a 68,400 sf educational campus for newly arrived immigrant students requiring English as a Second Language Services.  In addition, the school will help relieve overcrowding at nearby schools.  Once complete the project will provide space for academic classrooms, science labs, physical education, a media commons, student dining and food service, a health suite and administrative areas.

The project is being designed to comply with Prince George’s County’s Go Green Initiative and will achieve LEED Gold.  Energy initiatives being utilized include adding LED lighting and day lighting controls, maximizing the use of natural day lighting, improving the indoor air quality, and renewable energy including wind, photovoltaics and geothermal systems.

The team is using the following strategy to achieve net zero energy:

• Use of Geothermal Systems
• Natural Ventilation
• Improved Glazing and Construction
• Improved Lights and Daylighting Systems
• Plug Loads Control
• PV Modules

The project is designed to reduce energy consumption through the building’s system design meeting a minimum of 20% below the ASHRAE – 2010 baseline. By designing a facility with a target EUI of 18 and onsite power generation the project will meet and exceed the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement and the 2030 challenge.