HPSE Northeast CHPS

What is Northeast CHPS?

The Northeast Collaborative for High Performance Schools (Northeast CHPS) is a set of building and design standards for all schools from pre-K through community colleges. It is based on California's pioneering CHPS guide for the building of energy efficient, environmentally friendly, healthy school facilities. It has been tailored specifically for state code requirements, the New England climate, and the environmental priorities of the region. Learn more about how it works.




NE-CHPS Version 2.0 for New Construction and Major Renovations is now available!

Download the report here. View the Press Release here.

 

How does it work?

NE CHPS is based on a scorecard system and heavily emphasizes quality learning environments and money saving measures. There are seven areas of a school which can earn points, including:

  1. Policy Operation: This area covers the "soft" components of a high performance school such as training personnel in proper maintenance, ensuring that new appliances comply with ENERGY STAR standards, no idling policies for busses and cars, and purchasing renewable energy credits. Properly adhering to this section of NE CHPS ensures that the school operates to its full potential as an environmentally sound building for future generations.

  2. Indoor Environmental Quality: Achieving excellent indoor environmental quality starts during construction and is maintained with careful long-term planning. Proper building siting, daylighting, proper ventilation, thermal comfort, and the protection of building materials from moisture all contribute to indoor environmental quality.

  3. Energy Efficiency: Energy needs typically account for 30% of a school's operations and maintenance budget according to the Department of Energy. Applying modern technology and design strategies to an older school averages a 20% reduction in those costs (or $160,000/year for a 4000 student school). If those same design strategies are integrated at the beginning of the building process, the savings can jump to 40%. Elements which are addressed include primarily heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) components as well as lighting.

  4. Renewable Energy: One of the most environmentally responsible methods for reducing energy costs is to produce it onsite. As a technology improves and costs lower, more schools are looking towards geothermal heating and cooling, photovoltaic cells, and wind turbines. Not only do these technologies save money for the school, they also serve as a valuable teaching tool for both the school and the community.

  5. Water Efficiency: Though municipal water supplies are usually plentiful in this region, they represent a large area for conservation. Of the water treated to become potable in the nation, only 1-2% of it is ever consumed by people. The vast majority is used for landscaping and restroom purposes. Schools can adopt strategies such as low flow fixtures, rainwater collection systems, and drought-resistant plants in landscaping.

  6. Material: The materials category of NE CHPS ensures that schools use non-toxic building materials and that the facility engages in recycling, both during construction and post-occupancy. The sourcing of materials is also of concern. Credits are given for wood harvested in a sustainable manner as well as materials sourced from within a 500 mile radius.

  7. Site: Site selection often seems limited by loc al spaces, but with attention to detail, it can become an important aspect of the school environment. NE CHPS encourages placing a school away from environmental hazards such as flooding areas, noise sources, and previously polluted areas. Schools can also gain points for integrating the building with the community with features such as sidewalks and accessibility to public transit. The school is also expected to minimize its negative effects on the community by controlling light pollution, footprint, heat island effect, and runoff production.

  8. Innovation: Designers and school communities are always encouraged to think 'outside the box' and actively pursue policies and innovative performance features which truly represent best practices in sustainability and/or environmental health and safety


Merrimack Valley High School was the first NE CHPS school in New Hampshire. In this picture you can see (l-r) the old building envelope, under construction, and the new exterior.

 

Visit CHPS National to learn more about CHPS Criteria for California, Washington, Texas, New York, Massachusetts and Colorado.

CHPS Registered -The Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS), invites you to join CHPS Registered, the free membership program for schools and school districts. Gain all the benefits of CHPS membership, including an all-access pass to the suite of CHPS tools and resources. Download CHPS Membership Application here.

 

Operations & Maintenance

High performance schools provide high quality learning environments for the community, conserve natural resources, and are easier to maintain, however, they will only continue to perform at these levels if proper operational and maintenance procedures are followed.

The Northeast Collaborative for High Performance Schools Operations and Maintenance Guide has been developed by NEEP and regional stakeholders for use in any existing school facilities, regardless of age. School districts can use this guide to adopt green, healthy, and energy efficient policies and practices in their buildings. The guide will provide you with the tools to keep your facility operating a peak performance. Learn more here.


For More Information

The High Performance Schools Exchange offers presentations and trainings to design and building professionals as well as school administrators and committees. These are available at no cost and can be scheduled by contacting Carolyn Sarno or at 781-860-9177 x119, or Susy Jones or at 781-860-9177 x120.