Kentucky’s Next Zero Energy School
Jennings Creek Elementary School exemplifies the energy-reducing design strategies adopted across the district, utilizing solar power as an on-site renewable energy source to achieve a zero-energy status. The school is situated on a shared campus with the neighboring Henry Moss Middle School, fostering integrated learning between the two institutions and establishing a cohesive P-8 learning environment.
Though the buildings are physically separate, an outdoor walkway and supervised corridor connect them, enabling staff and students to access the multifunctional Cafetorium featuring a stage, Group Study Areas, and the eye-catching Monumental Collaboration Stair. During evening events, the classroom wings can be secured while still permitting access to the Collaboration Areas.
The Media Center houses maker spaces designed to encourage group meetings and nurture collaborative thinking among students. At the heart of the Media Center is the Media Hub, where students can use computer workstations in a supervised setting.
Every classroom is equipped with flexible seating options, including wobble chairs, exercise balls, and couches, allowing students to expend energy in non-disruptive ways while enhancing the learning experience. The easily movable furniture further supports this approach.
The school’s green kitchen strategies involve eliminating deep fryers and tilting skillets to conserve energy and align with the district’s commitment to offering healthier meals to students.
Jennings Creek Elementary is designed to operate at less than 17.5 EUI/SF/YR creating an average savings of over $195,000 a year in energy costs.
Sustainable Features:
With their experience of working with multiple funding sources and familiarity in navigating federal programs, Sherman Carter Barnhart Architects is working with Dawson Springs to deliver a modern, affordable housing community with market-rate amenities.
Three Sherman Carter Barnhart -designed schools — South Green Elementary School, Cumberland Trace Elementary
School, and Rich Pond Elementary School — are featured in this month’s ICF Builder Magazine.
