Ruffing Achieves LEED Certification

LEED is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. Surpassing the replacement of outdated facilities, the objectives of Ruffing’s renovation were the creation of the healthiest possible place for students and staff to learn and work, and the establishment of an eco-friendly environment for students to comprehend and carry into the world.

This certification provides verification that Ruffing meets the highest green building performance quality and integrity standards, employing the most efficient design and state-of-the art green building techniques. The process to become certified is rigorous, and adherence to specific criteria is carefully assessed.

In the USGBC’s point system, Ruffing earned points for sustainable site selection, water efficiency, energy performance, reused and recycled materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation in design. The school earned bonus points for its innovative green curriculum, school-wide green initiatives and for exemplary use of recycled materials throughout the new construction project.

What makes a building green? In Ruffing’s case, the facility is loaded with green features: a geo- thermal system that provides efficient heating and cooling; photovoltaic (solar) panels that produce power equivalent to the operating requirements of the geo-thermal system; a living roof for insulation and energy conservation; high efficiency lighting; energy efficient windows; sun tubes; solar shades; fabric ductwork; low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints, carpet tiles and glues; natural flooring materials; energy efficient appliances; rain barrels; waterless urinals and controlled hand towel dispensers, to name a few. In its policies and practices, the school promotes recycling, composting, rainwater reuse in classroom gardens, green procurement, non-toxic cleaning products, and no-waste lunches.

While many of these features can be found in other LEED Certified buildings and schools, Ruffing’s unique green curriculum sets it apart from other schools. It was recognized with a 2009 Northeast Ohio Environmental Award by the Biodiversity Alliance, for “innovative curriculum that permeates the whole school.” Beginning with its youngest students, toddlers, and continuing through eighth grade, the program teaches ways energy can be consumed more efficiently and how human choices help or harm the planet. The school has developed a very specific sequenced curriculum, created copyrighted activity-based Montessori-style materials, and uses the building’s green features as a working lab. On every age level, students are introduced to increasingly more complex ideas centered on sustainability, stewardship, and individual responsibility.

Ruffing Montessori School acknowledges the LEED Project Team: Team Leader Project Architect Rick Parker, Denk Associates, eQuest Strategies, Facilities Management Concepts, Inc., Ogrinc Mechanical Corporation, Panzica Construction Company and Ruffing Board President Mike Shaut.

A certification ceremony for the school community is planned for a later date.