Wellesley High School won a 2012 Green Difference Award in the Outstanding Green School category during ceremonies held today in Nurses Hall at the Massachusetts State House.

SMMA submitted the project on behalf of the Wellesley School Department. The Green Difference Awards are given annually by Project Green Schools in recognition of outstanding environmental leadership in Massachusetts schools and communities. 

SMMA’s design for the new 280,000-square-foot Wellesley High School integrates several energy efficiency and sustainable design elements into daily operation. 

These include: 

• High performance mechanical systems reduce heating and cooling demand throughout the building 
• 40kw photovoltaic system produces on-site electricity generation 
• Geothermal energy provides on-site heating and cooling for administrative office areas 
• High-efficiency lighting pair with occupancy and daylight sensors to reduce power consumption 
• Shading devices in windows reduce need for air conditioning in warm months 

An interactive energy dashboard in the school’s lobby – and accessible online – shows the building’s energy use, heating and cooling demand, water savings and photovoltaic solar energy production in real time.