by Rebecca Walker — September 29, 2008—Schoolchildren and teachers at the Learning Gate Community School in Lutz, Florida, can begin enjoying the first platinum-level green certified modular-built school in the US.
The school is receiving national recognition and has received awards, donations, grants, and sponsorship for providing a healthy learning environment for children and teachers. Using buildings supplied by Modular Building Systems International (MBSI), Learning Gate has met platinum-level green building certification as defined by the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards.
MBSI supplied the nine affordable green modular classrooms totaling about 8,000 square feet. Platinum level LEED certification was obtained through the U.S. Green Building Council using a LEED Accredited Professional.
“These are not portable classrooms, this is a school that was constructed in a controlled factory environment and then installed and finished on-site. The process enables you to perform site work while the buildings are constructed, reducing build time. The factory controlled environment results in higher quality than a site-built school.” said Patricia Berk, president of MBSI.
The buildings consist of recycled steel perimeter frames, GP sustainable forest initiative lumber, recycled metal roof panels, soy foam insulation, low-e windows and a sophisticated Munter HVAC system which provides 100 percent dry fresh outside air.
For more information, see the MBSI Web site.
