Boardwalk Campus

Boardwalk Campus, the first Massachusetts School Building Authority funded Net Zero school, was built within a typical MSBA budget. Not only was the Boardwalk Campus the first net zero energy and water school in Massachusetts, it was a pilot for the Massachusetts utility incentive program and helped establish criteria for a new incentive path for net zero buildings. This pathway is now in place and incentivizing large-scale adoption of net zero buildings across the state.

Based on regenerative design principles, Boardwalk Campus is net positive energy, rainwater is reused for 100% of non-potable uses, stormwater is managed 100% on-site, low embodied carbon materials are used, and operational waste is reduced by compost and recycling centers.

Innovative design strategies include ground source heat pumps, demand-control heat-recovery displacement ventilation, PV, energy storage, dynamic glazing, passive house level air leakage, and electric vehicle charging. The district actively uses the building features to enhance the STEM curriculum preparing students for 21st-century careers.

Occupant social and emotional health is supported by a variety of learning spaces for students of all needs. Indoor air quality is enhanced through displacement ventilation, increased filtration, 100% outdoor air, air quality monitoring, and red list free materials.

Building systems were selected with the facility managers to reduce costs from energy use, water use, maintenance, and operations to create positive financial impacts across the town. The design allows continuous measurement/adjustment of systems creating comfort and optimal air quality. The energy efficient and water reuse systems reduce operational costs. The PV and energy storage systems further reduce utility costs with on-site electricity generation and peak demand supply. This allows the district to rely on predictable costs not subject to volatility in utility rates. The ground source heat pumps and PV also create revenue streams for the district through alternative energy credits. These savings allow funds to be used for other areas such as educational resources. The building automation system and metering allows the district to fine tune the building and troubleshoot issues creating thermal comfort and reducing energy use.