by Michael C. Scott
The Manchester School District reached a significant milestone with the reopening of Keeney Elementary School in Manchester, Conn., the final phase in a decade-long renovation plan to transform all of Manchester’s elementary schools into state-of-the-art, sustainable learning environments. Keeney Elementary joins Buckley and Bowers Elementary Schools in achieving net-zero energy status, making Manchester again a leader among their peers for sustainable initiatives.
Art room at Verplanck Elementary / Photo by Robert Benson Photography
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Keeney Elementary, held on Sept. 14, was attended by members of the Board of Education, the School Building Committee, and Manchester officials. Manchester Mayor Jay Moran emphasized the community’s commitment to sustainability and educational excellence. “This project reflects our investment in our children’s future and our dedication to creating innovative, sustainable spaces for learning,” said Moran.
A Decade of Transformation: Manchester’s Comprehensive Renovation Plan
The completion of Keeney Elementary marks the successful conclusion of a two-phase redevelopment project in which Manchester’s nine elementary schools were consolidated, reopening as six state-of-the-art, fully renovated buildings ready for the next generation of learners. The comprehensive plan was completed on schedule and under budget through two successful referendums:
- Phase 1 (2014-2019) focused on renovating Cheney-Bennet, Verplanck, and Waddell elementary schools, upgrading these aged facilities to contemporary pedagogies and program standards.
- Phase 2 (2020-2024) included the transformation of Buckley, Bowers, and Keeney Elementary Schools into Net Zero Energy facilities.
Plan to Realization
Buckley Elementary School / Photo by Robert Benson Photography
TSKP STUDIO guided the town through a holistic assessment of their elementary school facilities’ condition and future needs, ultimately converging on the recommendation to use one of the nine schools as a swing space so that six schools could be fully renovated into new facilities and the remaining three sunsetted from the town’s inventory.
After the success of the first three school renovations, built by Downes Construction, the Manchester community was eager to build on the momentum and advocated that the second phase strive for Net-Zero Energy certification – a distinction that, at the time, had yet to be achieved by any public school in New England, whether renovated or newly constructed.
Net Zero Success Stories: Buckley, Bowers, and Keeney Elementary Schools
TSKP STUDIO, in partnership with CMTA, led the design and engineering efforts to achieve net-zero energy goals. O&G Industries built the remaining three.
Buckley Elementary School, which reopened in 2022, became New England’s first verified Net Zero Energy public school. With a remarkably low Energy Use Intensity (EUI) of 17.3, Buckley’s renovation involved gutting the existing 55,000sf structure and adding a 9,000sf expansion. Key features include a geothermal wellfield, rooftop photovoltaics, and a solar Smart Flower that tracks the sun to optimize energy production.
Project room at Waddell Elementary School / Photo by Robert Benson Photography
Bowers Elementary School, completed in 2023, is set to receive a $2.5 million tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act for its geothermal and photovoltaic systems. The project focused on maximizing energy efficiency, reducing embodied carbon, and creating a healthy learning environment.
Keeney Elementary School, the latest to be renovated, now features a photovoltaic-topped entry canopy, a sundial in the courtyard, and a new STEAM suite designed to foster creativity and collaboration. The 56,400sf facility has been transformed into a modern learning environment with outdoor spaces that encourage exploration.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation
In the brick and mortar of these schools, the town literally built the priorities and values that help distinguish the community in New England. Not only did they preserve these long-standing institutions, reinvigorating them with cutting-edge educational environments, Manchester’s focus on sustainability extends beyond energy-efficient buildings. These Net Zero schools are designed to serve as educational tools, with students monitoring energy consumption and learning about renewable energy systems through interactive dashboards and on-site technologies.
“By electing to renovate rather than build new, Manchester has significantly reduced its carbon footprint, saving up to 75% of the embodied carbon compared to new construction,” said Randall Luther, partner at TSKP STUDIO. “These schools are not just buildings but models for sustainable education that will benefit the community for generations to come.”
Manchester’s efforts serve as a model for other communities seeking to invest in sustainable and healthy learning environments.
Michael C. Scott
Michael C. Scott, AIA, MCPPO is senior associate at TSKP STUDIO.
