Above: Three of our most recent net zero school designs in Massachusetts. Energy Use Intensity (EUI) is the headline measurement of the energy efficiency of a building's design and/or operation—the lower the better. NZE buildings typically have an EUI below 30.
State-run grant programs have also smoothed the path to more NZE schools. Massachusetts offers financial support for net zero projects through the MassSave Utility Incentive Program, while MassCEC offers a range of clean energy incentives in the form of grants.
When net zero ready is preferable to net zero energy
Many cost-wise communities are opting to build net zero ready schools as opposed to fully-fledged NZE projects (learn about the difference here). In most cases, this means leaving out the cost of solar PV installation from the project budget and entering into a power-purchase agreement (PPA) in which a third party installs, owns, and operates the energy system.
One example is in Andover, MA, where we designed a net zero ready elementary and preschool that opened in 2024. The community will be able to reach full NZE by adding solar panels to the building’s PV-ready roof and installing solar canopies in the parking lot.
Over in Wellesley, MA, the net zero ready Hunnewell Elementary School boasts a solar PV roof that will provide 60% of the required load for NZE.
Above: The Lincoln School achieves NZE through a high-performance building enclosure, efficient design choices, and renewable energy.
Back in Concord, the new middle school plans to couple their solar PV system with an energy storage battery system. This will enable the building to access backup power during any power outage caused by a climate event. It will also lift the school’s status from net zero ready to full NZE.
SMMA has vast experience working with schools and local communities to design NZE and net zero ready buildings. To start a conversation about how to make your school a net zero project, reach out to Martine Dion.
