Just a few weeks ago, Forest Edge Elementary School in Oregon, WI received notification that it made history as the FIRST Net Zero Energy school constructed in Wisconsin! Championing sustainability, a net zero facility produces an equal amount of energy as it consumes, achieved by using innovative tools for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and energy storage. This energy is produced primarily by 1,704 solar panels covering the roof of the facility. Forest Edge also uses 99 geothermal wells, electrochromic glass, battery storage, and no natural gas, setting a new bar for Wisconsin schools. It was a pleasure to work with the Oregon School District and other partners in the pursuit of sustainability excellence.
Building a net zero facility takes an experienced team and significant planning to complete. Envisioned and guided by the Oregon School District, planned and designed by Bray Architects and HGA, and built by Findorff, Forest Edge Elementary spans 126,580 square feet. For a building of this size to produce as much energy as it consumes, the construction process was different from building a typical elementary school. Our construction process revealed four big takeaways:Net zero requires a deep and thorough dive into energy efficiency – what it means, what it looks like in a school setting, and what infrastructure is required to support it. This level of detail meant that Ben Austin, Sustainability Lead at Findorff, played an active role to ensure the project team’s goals were always in alignment with the district’s sustainability outcomes. Additionally, senior project managers Jenny Nelson and Steve Gay, and superintendent Larry Baker, stayed on top of every detail from the building’s insulation to a single lightbulb. When considering energy usage, no component is too small to be overlooked.
A change to one system is a change to them all. Every building element is intertwined. For example, the activation of a motion-detecting light could trigger the HVAC system as well, directly impacting the amount of energy used for even the smallest of movements. This means every change made to the low voltage systems, the lighting usage, the electrical system, and the air-conditioning systems must be communicated across every team – from the engineers to the manufacturers to the project managers – so that the appropriate adjustments can be made.Forest Edge Elementary is a continually evolving facility. For most buildings, there is a definitive start and end to construction. A net zero building requires continuous adjustments after it’s occupied and operating to ensure alignment with the net zero target. That translates into a collaborative and long-term partnership between the designer, contractor, and school district that focuses on performance and improvement to make a positive impact.
A net zero school is possible, and the future of sustainable buildings is now. Just a few years ago, the Oregon School District identified an ambitious, yet achievable goal. They chose partners that shared their passion and vision for presenting the community with not only a highly sustainable facility but one that would set a new standard for schools across Wisconsin.
Findorff is proud to be a part of building the Verona Area High School, which was a recipient of the Construction Risk Partners Build America Merit Award, awarded by the Associated General Contractors of America. This 590,000 square foot landmark was recognized as one of the best construction projects of 2020. Learn more here.
Shortly after graduating from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Kaleb Anderson set his sights on working at Findorff. His goal was to work in the Special Projects Group, even if it meant he had to wait. He worked for a local subcontractor for five years before a role in the Special Projects Group became available, and Kaleb stepped up. Since then, he has successfully helped the team manage hundreds of projects, each less than $2 million.
Nearly six years later, Kaleb has been promoted to lead Madison’s Special Projects Group. Whether it’s commercial tenant build-outs, remodeling corporate environments to meet ADA compliance, or helping to solve unique and complex client needs, Kaleb brings his architectural and construction experience and tenacious nature to serve clients.
When Kaleb isn’t head-down solving challenging issues, he is enjoying the outdoors spending time with family and friends. Please feel free to contact Kaleb and congratulate him as he begins his new role!
– Laura Velotta, Findorff’s MEP Group Lead
Having a clear picture of the current condition of your facility is a critical first step in establishing a long-range master plan. Aging infrastructure, inefficient mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, and a lack of a consistent maintenance schedule can negatively impact annual operating budgets. Planning proactively to address building infrastructure needs allows your team to better support business decisions by defining budget and schedule.
A long-term capital maintenance plan informed by a facility condition’s report (aka facility assessment or facility study) should include estimated costs for updating, replacing, or repairing building components. Findorff successfully uses a three-step process to help clients navigate current and future building needs. The plan includes prioritizing projects based on life cycle estimates and recommendations and known deficiencies that are identified as an additional layer for consideration during annual budgeting exercises.
The three-step process includes establishing building evaluation criteria, the actual evaluation, and presenting informed recommendations. It’s important to include your facilities team as a key stakeholder in this effort. They are the eyes and ears of your building(s), and their input is vital to your success. The entire process usually takes three to four months.
Here is the three-step process we’ve successfully used when developing a comprehensive facilities plan.
- Determine what your building needs to accomplish. Findorff’s team engages in conversations and strategic planning sessions with clients to learn about their vision. Part of this exercise includes identifying the internal resources and knowledge to perform the assessment yourselves.
- Access how your current building works for you. A facility assessment includes a review of existing facility documents, evaluation of current facility conditions, the identification of energy deficiencies and savings opportunities, and the creation of a capital maintenance plan. This information provides a clear understanding of how well the building is performing and determines where improvements can be made, either through renovation or in a new building.
- Identify solutions to help your building do more. After the facility assessment, Findorff compiles a list of improvement options including new construction, renovating in place, or expanding and renovating, and the advantages, disadvantages, risks, and costs associated with each option. An important consideration that helps inform these recommendations includes input gathered from a design partner and other stakeholders during the visioning process.
One final item to take into consideration when performing a facility assessment is how sustainability initiatives can benefit operational expenses needed to maintain a facility. There are numerous energy efficiency options for existing facilities to explore that can lower costs, enhance the workplace, and benefit the environment.
By developing a facility assessment roadmap, you can identify accurate, objective insights about your facility’s health and condition. Being informed with actual data will lead to more knowledgeable and successful decisions about your facilities.
Findorff is fortunate to receive recognition over the years for quality craftsmanship. Most recently, AGC of Wisconsin and The Daily Reporter recognized five buildings we constructed. Plus, one project received special recognition from ENR Midwest.
Bank of Sun Prairie Stadium at Ashley Field: This new multi-purpose stadium serves two Sun Prairie community high schools (Sun Prairie West will open in Fall 2022). The facility has seating for over 4,000 spectators and is ready for competitive football, soccer, lacrosse, the Sound of Sun Prairie (high school marching band), and other co-curricular activities. The stadium was designed and built with spectator and user experience in mind. The facility includes a mid-level plaza that’s fully accessible, increased parking, new locker rooms, and an artificial turf field.
Awards: AGC of Wisconsin, Excellence in Partnering Award | The Daily Reporter, Top Projects Award
Exact Sciences Discovery Campus: This Campus is comprised of several buildings including the former Rayovac Headquarters Office Building, which was converted into the Exact Sciences Customer Care Facility (159,000 square feet). Replacement of the exterior and MEP system of an occupied, 34-year-old Madison landmark on the South Beltline kicked off this large project. Upon significant renovation of the original facility, Findorff constructed a new clinical lab and warehouse (169,000 square feet) and a new production lab (75,000 square feet). The amenities building (112,500 square feet) was built to connect all the structures, including a cafeteria, conference rooms, and a work-out facility. Additionally, a parking structure with 950 stalls was constructed to support employee parking for the campus. The entire campus development was completed in 30 months, from concept to completion.
Awards: AGC of Wisconsin, New Construction & Renovation | The Daily Reporter, Top Projects Award
Forest Edge Elementary School: This new, 122,225 square-foot elementary school is situated next to a beautiful forest in Oregon, Wisconsin. The school has a large cafeteria, performance stage, and three courtyards with an outdoor classroom to encourage outdoor learning. The classroom areas have large group collaboration spaces and small group instruction rooms to promote collaboration as well as individual learning. Additionally, the building is the first Net Zero Energy school in Wisconsin which means it produces at least as much energy as it consumes annually. The school features several innovative and sustainable elements including solar panels, geothermal wells, electrochromic glass, a battery system, and no natural gas serving the building. Interactive stations that highlight the unique and sustainable features of the school are on display for student learning opportunities.
Awards: AGC of Wisconsin, Environmental Excellence Award | The Daily Reporter, Top Projects Award
Innovation One: Located within Madison’s University Research Park is Exact Sciences’ new corporate headquarters, named Innovation One. The new core and shell building unite team members and departments that were dispersed across multiple sites into a collaborative and flexible office environment spanning five stories. The new headquarters favors walkability and includes vibrant workspaces with ample natural light from the curved glass curtain wall on the exterior.
Awards: AGC of Wisconsin, General Contractor-Commercial Award | The Daily Reporter, Top Projects Award | ENR Midwest honored Innovation One with an Award of Merit.
Verona Area High School: The new 590,000-square-foot high school covers four levels and has 670 rooms over a seven-acre footprint. The academic core of the building is three stories high and surrounds a large atrium with seating for 1,000. The school also includes a field house, an aquatic center with two pools, a performing arts center, a greenhouse, and specialty classrooms and labs. The overall campus is 161 acres and contains a geothermal field, seven athletic fields including a competition stadium, a cross country running course through a 50-acre forest, and the Military Ridge State Trail.
Awards: AGC of Wisconsin, General Contractor-Commercial Award | The Daily Reporter, Top Projects Award
AGC of Wisconsin also recognized Bell Labs: with a BUILD Wisconsin award. The new headquarters features a reception lobby that offers transparent views of the executive board room and the beautiful forest surround. Many design elements feature natural wood and clean refined stainless details, bridging nature and innovation. The facility houses a research lab, office spaces, and amenities such as workout rooms, café, outdoor terraces, and walking paths for the 100 staff and daily visitors.
Awards: AGC of Wisconsin, General Contractor-Commercial Award
Congratulations to all the teams for your award-winning work!
A new elementary school in the Oregon School District became the first Net Zero Energy school in the state Wednesday. Since it was finished in 2020, the Forest Edge Elementary School generated as much energy as it used. Read more.
Findorff really is different when it comes to the extra value we bring to our client relationships, projects, and communities. That may include providing new insights derived from drone footage, helping strategize a company’s sustainability goals, or moving a 115-year-old tavern across the county and rebuilding it.You read that right! Dubbed the “world’s slowest pub crawl,” Findorff recently dismantled a historic tavern and relocated it 27 miles north to Old World Wisconsin. The tavern, located in the Dodge County community of Old Ashippun since 1906, was operated by two generations of the Wittnebel family and will become part of a new brewing experience exhibit for the Wisconsin Historical Society.
For over a year, Findorff worked with a trusted team of subcontractors, the Town of Ashippun, Ashippun Fire Department, WE Energies, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the Wisconsin State Patrol to plan every aspect of the well-orchestrated move. Led by our experienced Special Projects Group, the historic building was divided into three large sections including – first floor, second floor, and roof. The sections were then loaded onto trailers with an 80-ton crane and later made the journey down Highway 67. Traveling at speeds from 10 to 35 miles per hour, Findorff crews and a caravan of semi-trailers, courtesy of Heritage Movers, took 95 minutes to complete the trip from Old Ashippun to Eagle, Wis.
How does a historic building like this get disassembled, moved down a major highway, and reassembled – in a way that preserves all the important elements? The answer involves careful precision. To see a time-lapse of the dismantling, relocation, and reconstruction, click here.”We could not be more excited to see the tavern arrive on-site. We look forward to honoring the legacy of the tavern as we tell the story of brewing in Wisconsin,” said Old World Wisconsin site director Dan Freas. The historic tavern is the first historic structure moved to Old World Wisconsin in more than 25 years. Cheers to that!
On Wednesday, the F-35 flight simulator facility groundbreaking marked the Wisconsin Air National Guard base’s physical transition for the F-35. Read more here.
The mission of the Old World Wisconsin museum is to showcase the old coming together with the new. Coming June 2022, you’ll be able to fully experience the history of beer in the state. Tapping into Wisconsin’s long-time beer heritage, a new and exciting brewing experience will be available for all guests right in Eagle, WI.
SHINE Medical Technologies LLC today announced the completion of its new corporate headquarters. Check out this video for more information.