NYC’s first net-zero energy school opens on Staten Island

Photo: <a href="http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20150910/rossville/citys-first-net-zero-energy-efficient-school-opens-on-staten-island">Nick Rizzi for DNAinfo</a></p> After four years of anticipation, class is now in session at New York's first <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/staten-islands-ps-62-will-be-new-yorks-first-net-zero-energy-school/" target="_blank">net-zero energy school</a>. As reported by <a href="http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20150910/rossville/citys-first-net-zero-energy-efficient-school-opens-on-staten-island" target="_blank">DNAinfo</a>, Staten Island's P.S. 62 is an impressive monument to energy-efficient architecture that will also serve to educate children about green building. Designed by <a href="http://www.som.com/" target="_blank">SOM</a>, the new structure is decked out in enough solar panels to generate power for the entire building, eventually making it a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/net-zero/" target="_blank">net-zero energy</a> school.

The school is equipped with solar panels to generate more than the building needs.

Original design for P.S 62 by SOM Architects.

The many sustainable features will make P.S. 62 a model for future school design.

The classrooms were designed to make optimal use of natural light.

The school also boasts a green roof, vegetable garden, and walking track.

The design, which took four years to construct, is one of a kind for NYC.