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Net Zero PS 62-SOMIt's no secret that Staten Islanders have been going through <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/how-to-volunteer-to-help-hurricane-sandy-victims-in-the-rockaways-and-other-areas-that-are-still-in-need/">very troubling times</a>, but last week we saw a small bright spot of news for the borough's PS 62. The New York City Department of Education recently broke ground on the building that will house the state's first net zero energy school right in Richmond, Staten Island. <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/nyc%E2%80%99s-first-zero-energy-school-p-s-62-in-staten-island-designed-by-som/" target="_blank">PS 62</a> was designed by <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/som" target="_blank">SOM</a> and will be covered in solar panels to generate enough power for the building. Additionally, the school will feature other sustainable programs to reduce environmental impact, work towards greater self-sufficiency and provide a higher level of education for students. The school is expected to open around 2015, and a spokesperson for SOM told us this week that the construction site was not impacted by Hurricane Sandy.1
Net Zero PS 62-SOMPS 62 will be located on a 3.5-acre site at the intersection of Crabtree Avenue and Bloomingdale Road in Richmond, Staten Island.2
Net Zero PS 62-SOMThe school will serve 444 primary age students and is expected to be complete and ready for use by Fall 2015.3
Net Zero PS 62-SOMDesigned by <a href="http://www.som.com/" target="_blank">SOM</a> with the help of a number of consultants, in particular <a href="http://www.in-posse.com/" target="_blank">In:Posse</a> and <a href="http://www.akfgroup.com/" target="_blank">AKF</a>, PS 62 will be completely net zero and rely solely on itself for its own energy.4
Net Zero PS 62-SOMThe building will feature photovoltaics and solar thermal systms on the roof and southern facades.5
Net Zero PS 62-SOMThe classrooms and hallways will be it mostly with daylighting through carefully placed windows, skylights and clerestory windows.6
Net Zero PS 62-SOMEnergy efficient heating and cooling equipment and a tight thermal envelope will minimize energy use.7
Net Zero PS 62-SOMThe school will also feature a green roof, vegetable garden, classroom dashboard monitors, and a walking track around the building.8
Net Zero PS 62-SOMThe ground breaking ceremony was held on Friday, October 26th at a ceremony attended by New York City Department of Education Schools Deputy Chancellor Kathleen Grimm, Staten Island Borough President James P. Molinaro, City Council Member Vincent Ignizio and senior officials from the New York City School Construction Authority (SCA) including President & CEO Lorraine Grillo.9
Net Zero PS 62-SOMSustainable features of PS 62.10
Net Zero PS 62-SOMDetail of solar facade assemblies.11
