Rise School Earns Austin Energy Green Building 4 Star Rating
Austin, Texas — The new Rise School of Austin has achieved an Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) 4 Star Rating for exceptional accomplishments in designing and building a sustainable building. Projects are rated on a 1 to 5 star scale, with 5 stars being the highest rating. O’Connell Robertson provided architecture, MEP engineering, and interior design services for the high-performance building; Burt Watts was the construction manager. The project’s “green building” achievements included:
- 38.3% energy savings, representing an estimated 103,785 kWh per year reduction and a 44kW of peak demand savings;
- the use of reclaimed water for irrigation, resulting in 100% potable water savings;
- 10.7% building water savings due to water-efficient plumbing fixtures;
- Building materials totaling 33.4% in recycled content, with 57.3% sourced from Texas;
- Use of low-emitting paints, coatings, sealants, and other materials to produce a healthier indoor environment; and
- 44 tons of construction waste diverted from the landfill, representing 76.4% of all the waste generated during construction.
“O’Connell Robertson is committed to sustainable design practices and meeting the goals of our clients in this area,” said Amy Jones, a principal with O’Connell Robertson. “The Rise School is part of the Rathgeber Village in the Mueller development, which is also known for its commitment to sustainability. We are proud of our team, including Burt Watts, our design consultants, and the Rise School leadership, for the collaboration and commitment to more efficient and healthier buildings that resulted in this award.”
The Sally and Mack Brown Rise School of Austin provides early childhood education services to children of differing abilities. The new 26,000 SF facility features classrooms and learning spaces that were specifically designed to meet the specialized needs of young learners with differing abilities. The plan includes flexible common areas and indoor/outdoor space for multi-use functionality, maximizing the opportunities for student and parent involvement. The school moved into its new location in August.