Sidebar: Green Schools: Learning as We Go

North Clackamas High School

Clackamas, Oregon

Grades 9–12 · 1,800 students

250,000 ft² (23,225 m²)

$30 million · Completed September 2001

Although the original intention was never to make North Clackamas a high-performance building, energy savings of the completed building are now expected to reach 44% over a conventional school. In 1996, the Rocky Mountain Institute and the Energy Foundation chose to use Clackamas as a model for performance-based compensation, in which the design team shares in the proceeds (and risk) of predicted energy savings for a predetermined period. In this case, the design team and the school will evenly split all energy savings above the predicted level for two full years. Low energy use was achieved primarily through extensive daylighting and natural ventilation. Materials were chosen for durability, flexibility, recycled content, and low toxicity. Water-efficient showerheads, faucets, and toilets contribute to a lower-than-average water demand. North Clackamas cost less than average—$117/ft² ($1,260/m²), including site work. The school is expected to earn a Silver certification in the USGBC’s LEED™ Rating System. More information is available from: Heinz Rudolf, AIA (architect) BOORA Architects, Inc. 503/226-1575; www.boora.com

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