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Vaughn Dierks, a partner at Wold Architects and Engineers in St. Paul, the firm that designed Westwood's expansion, <br />explains energy efficiency has never been easier. "Anytime you start out with a new building project, you are in a much <br />easier position at approaching different energy efficiency opportunities than when you are renovating," Dierks says. "It is <br />essentially a clean slate, and you are able to consider different alternatives and how they will potentially impact operational <br />costs." Dierks also notes Wold's close working relationship with ISD 728 allows for an open dialogue that ultimately led to a <br />better Westwood. <br />As for how rapidly environmental building practices are changing, Dierks notes emergir <br />technologies provide advanced solutions that didn't exist even a decade ago. Ultimatell <br />Dierks says, designs like those at Westwood make it easier for everyday people to <br />become more efficient. "Probably the single most significant way is in measurements <br />and controls," Dierks adds. "The operating systems utilize digital control management <br />that not only regulates optimum performance but also allows for greater interface <br />with the equipment to adjust settings and take advantage of potential savings. When <br />you combine this with an infrastructure designed for efficiency the results can be very <br />substantial." <br />Another unique feature at Westwood, according to Dierks, is the school's air delivery <br />system. Unlike the traditional method that supplies air through two to four mechanical d <br />the ceiling, which is often loud and stirs up contaminates, Westwood's system uses ind <br />"Large ducts are located in the corners of the room delivering fresh air at a very low velocay into the room ai ine <br />floor level," Dierks says. "As the air heats up and rises it is carried upward to return ducts at the ceiling, bringing <br />with it contaminants from within the space." Dierks adds such a system offers numerous benefits, including: <br />A much better environment free of drafts and blowing air, as well as fewer germs and other airborne particles. <br />A more consistent temperature throughout the room. <br />A quieter space and a greater efficiency with the unit delivery in that it is not forced to blow the air so far into <br />the space for coverage. <br />"This system was not only replicated in the addition but also in subsequent renovation work throughout the district," <br />Dierks adds. <br />The district strives to be good stewards of the funds entrusted to them <br />by the taxpayers. This has resulted in an annual review process of <br />approaches, implementation strategies and on -going investments to <br />continue to focus on education, operations and quality of environment <br />for all students and staff.' <br />Bezek says Westwood provides an example for upcoming construction and re- modeling tasks. <br />"Westwood is a source of pride for us," he explains. "It's also a model for future projects." <br />1 , Al;A io i r, At., A, k A;1; Ji 4 AALi, 4 v r X14 4 A Jltry 4 ,L Ail Yid il 1iLtut�Y �irl�+f�i ►l+li!';rJl`s 1� � �111� 11� <br />20 <br />