LEED for Schools (LEED-S) is similar to LEED for New Construction, with additional criteria for sustainable sites and indoor environmental quality to provide enhanced learning environments for our children. SDC has been at the forefront of developing green building design and operational guidelines for public school systems before LEED-S was even created. Since its inception, SDC has provided LEED, Green Globes, and Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) process management and advisory services for dozens of public and independent k-12 schools throughout our region.
Chadwick Elementary School Replacement, Windsor Mill, MD: Designed by Grimm + Parker Architects, this 99,616 sf, two-story school replaces the existing facility with a two-wing prototype plan on 17 acres of green space. Walking and biking access, energy- and water-efficient systems, low-emitting and regional materials, and over 98% construction waste diversion support sustainability. SDC provided Process Management, and the project achieved LEED-NC Silver-level certification in 2022.
Showell Elementary School, Berlin, MD: This 108,521 sf two-story facility accommodates 890 students, with classrooms, a media center, and 8.4 acres of open green space. Most occupied spaces offer exterior views, earning the Quality Views credit. The project, designed by the Becker Morgan Group, achieves a 27.7% energy cost savings through a high-performance water source heat pump system and a 22.24% reduction in indoor water usage with low-flow fixtures. The project earned LEED-NC Silver-level certification in June 2021.
Thaddeus Stevens School, Washington, DC: OTJ Architects designed the modernization of the historic Thaddeus Stevens School, which was originally built in 1868 as one of the district's first publicly funded education buildings. The 40,000 sf, four-story educational renovation includes new classrooms, administrative offices, an art lab, a music room, and various activity rooms. SDC provided Process Management services, achieving LEED Gold-Level certification in October 2021.
Highland Springs High School, Henrico, VA: Designed by Moseley Architects, this 231,062 sf, multi-story high school will replace the previous high school that was built in 1950. SDC collaborated with Gulf Seaboard General Contractors, Inc. to provide Documentation Assistance. Highland Springs High School now features four educational wings with classrooms, teaching centers, offices, informal collaboration areas, and specialty labs for science, engineering, and culinary arts. In August 2023, the project achieved LEED-NC Gold-level certification.
The Heights, Arlington, VA: Designed by Leo A. Daly, this 181,621 sf building utilizes the former site of Wilson School in the heart of downtown Rosslyn. The unique vertical design integrates into the existing urban fabric by stacking the school program to decrease the building footprint. It features nearly 19,000 sf of vegetated roofs and landscaped terraces provide outdoor spaces for recreation and teaching opportunities. SDC provided process management services and achieved LEED-S Gold-level certification in May 2020.
Ellen Ochoa Middle School, Hyattsville, MD: Designed by Grimm + Parker Architects, this 170,000 sf, two-story middle school integrates geothermal heating and cooling, solar panels covering most of the roof, outdoor learning areas, walking trails, and pond views. Building systems reduce energy and water use, and over 81% of construction waste was diverted from landfills. SDC provided Process Management, and the project achieved LEED-NC Gold-level certification in 2025.
Thomas Edison High School of Technology, Silver Spring, MD: Designed by Grimm + Parker Architects, this 165,740 sf Montgomery County high school offers a variety of specialized programs, including plumbing, auto technology, masonry, electricity, plumbing, restaurant, cosmetology, and criminal justice. Added to mitigate the heat island effect is a 43,573 sf vegetated rooftop. SDC provided Process Management and the project achieved LEED-S Silver-level certification in June 2020.