Harker’s latest addition, the 50,000-square-foot Rothschild Performing Arts Center, was just awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification, accruing 66 out of 67 points attempted. The certification effort was managed by the various groups who oversaw construction, including Devcon Construction, The Integral Group, Studio Bondy Architecture and Kevin Hart Architecture.

This LEED Gold award follows two others. The new athletic center, opened in August 2017, earned LEED Gold certification in February 2018, and Harker’s Nichols Hall science and technology center, opened in 2007, also received LEED Gold certification.

“It is an honor to receive this certification, and a testament to the vision and efforts of the men and women who made these projects a reality,” said Brian Yager, head of school. “Having our two newest building receive LEED Gold certification not only acknowledges our desire to be environmentally responsible members of the community, but also furthers the message we hope to inspire in all of our students and staff that the world we live in needs a responsible approach to building the future.”

As a sustainable site, the center received five out of five points for development density and community connectivity, which encourages development in areas with existing infrastructure to conserve farmland and wildlife habitats, along with promoting walking and transportation efficiency. The building received six out of six points for alternative transportation (public transportation access). The full 19 points were awarded for optimizing energy performance, and seven out of seven points were awarded for onsite renewable energy. The building garnered many other points for things including site selection, light pollution reduction and enhanced refrigerant management, all of which contribute to an efficient building and overall sustainability efforts on campus.