Last November, Project FROG demonstrated their FROG Zero classroom at Greenbuild 2008, and it was quite impressive.

Now, the company just broke ground on a new Center for Science and Global Citizenship at the Watkinson School in Hartford, Connecticut. The 4,000 square-foot science center will generate more energy within its footprint than is required to operate the systems. To do so, it will rely on some of the following active and passive strategies:
* A living roof;
* Photovoltaic array;
* Design to reduce energy-demand by 75 percent; and
* Windows (with glare control) that allow abundant natural light.

The building will be the first of its kind in New England, and marks the company’s first zero-net energy solution built in a cold climate.

The school will feature three, flexible classrooms that can morph into lecture, seminar, or lab instruction spaces. But no matter what the activity, the baseline LEED Silver design will serve as a springboard for students and faculty to discuss sustainable design, energy efficiency, and green construction.

John Bracker, Watkinson’s head of school, announced, ‘The Center for Science and Global Citizenship represents an important step in our efforts to challenge the traditional orthodoxy of how a building comes together, the role it can play in teaching about sustainability and the curriculum material at hand. Just imagine what’s possible when a building is as smart and dynamic as the students and faculty who live in it.’

The Watkinson project demonstrates the possibilities for energy-efficient, technologically enhanced classrooms of the future, today. Incorporating the ideal learning environment into the greenest, most sustainable commercial building solution available, the 4,000 square foot state-of-the-art science center will feature 75 percent energy-demand reduction, abundant natural light and glare control, superior air quality, fungible user technology, microclimate customization and advanced climate controls in an easy to configure package. Constructed of mainly of recyclable materials, the Center will generate more energy within its footprint than is required to operate its systems. To support the linked but diverse curricula, the three Center for Science and Global Citizenship classrooms will be adaptable to lecture, seminars, and lab-style instruction.Every aspect of this new Center for Science and Global Citizenship will be a teaching tool. With design features that include a living roof, photovoltaic panels, and advanced sensors, the Center will provide extraordinary teaching and learning opportunities for members of Watkinson’s community, and establish a new criterion for smart, environmentally responsible learning environments.

‘Watkinson’s vision and commitment to sustainability is inspiring,’ said Mark Miller, AIA, LEED AP, Founder and CEO of Project FROG. ‘We’re very excited that New England’s first Project FROG solution is for such a prescient and dynamic academic partner. Having tackled energy performance in a range of tropical and western US climates, we are pleased to demonstrate Project FROG’s versatility and performance in the cold and snow as well as the heat and humidity of this region.’

About Project FROG
Better, Greener, Faster. Smart. Project FROG makes the most technologically advanced, energy-efficientbuilding systems on the planet. Employing novel clean technology across the construction spectrum, Project FROG aims to revolutionize an industry rife for innovation by creating new standards for healthy buildings that significantly reduce energy consumption and construction waste. An initial $8M in venture funding from Rockport Capital facilitated entrance into the education market in California, New England and Hawaii. Near-term plans include expansion along the West Coast and Atlantic Corridor, as well as into government, retail and healthcare sectors. Project FROG’s smart building systems are baseline LEED Sliver, and frequent recipients of industry awards for their design and performance.

About Watkinson School
Watkinson School, founded in 1881, is Hartford’s only independent school. Watkinson serves 285 students from over forty Connecticut towns in grades six through twelve. Watkinson’s mission is to develop in our students the power to shape their own lives and the world around them.