Architecture Firm Helps Boerne ISD Win Environmental Award for Water Conservation
(Austin, TX – May 29, 2009) A Texas Environmental Excellence Award (TEEA) has been presented to Boerne Independent School District by Texas Governor Rick Perry and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for having the “best” water conservation project in the state of Texas. The award was presented to the district for its new rainwater harvesting system at Champion High School. Pfluger Associates Architects, one of Texas’ leading educational planning and design firms specializing in schools and sustainable architecture, along with O’Neill Conrad Oppelt Architects, implemented ground-breaking design techniques that led to the award-winning Boerne, Texas high school.
The Texas Environmental Excellence Awards spotlight the state’s highest achievements in environmental preservation and protection. More than 220 projects were submitted with only 10 winning awards.
The Pfluger Associates Team utilized thoughtful design and innovative technologies on the project to create a place to learn about nature and address the student’s needs in a sustainable environment. “It’s rewarding to have been able to work with a school district that allows us to use and develop technologies that lead the way for sustainable schools,” said Kent Niemann, Partner, Pfluger Associates Architects. “This award recognizes our joint effort to protect the environment for future generations.”
One of the most significant features of the Champion High School’s water harvesting system combines the capturing of HVAC system condensate with roof and site run off, in an 800-foot long underground storm water pipe that’s five feet in diameter. The total system can hold more than 224,000 gallons of harvested water, and has the potential of saving the school district an estimated $48,000 per year. Officials estimate that the project should pay for itself in less than five years.
“By using this system, we eliminate a huge amount of cost,” said Dr. John Kelly, Superintendent for Boerne Independent School District.
Champion High School's water harvesting system is the largest of its kind for any school in Texas and will act as a teaching tool, showing the importance of water conservation and harvesting in the drought-prone area of south central Texas. The collection system will also be part of Boerne High School’s outdoor classroom curriculum for the science department, giving students valuable hands-on training for environmental stewardship.
Other environmentally significant features of the campus include concrete flooring, clerestory windows for daylighting, and an automated energy management system that controls the HVAC and lighting systems. The design team created a user-friendly, low maintenance, energy-efficient campus that delivers an effective teaching environment while saving the district money and protecting the environment.
For more information, visit the Texas Environmental Excellence Awards Web site at www.teea.org/winners.
About Pfluger Associates Architects
Pfluger Associates (www.pflugerassociates.com) is an award-winning, full-service architecture, planning and interior design firm specializing in educational facilities and sustainable design. With offices in Austin, San Antonio and Houston, Pfluger Associates has more than a 30-year history of excellence in designing educational facilities throughout Texas.