Maryland’s First Net Zero Energy School with LEED Platinum Design

50% energy savings and LEED Platinum for Wilde Lake Middle School

Educational Facilities, K–12

Overview

Howard County Public Schools (HCPSS) set out to replace the aging Wilde Lake Middle School with a bold vision: build Maryland’s first Net Zero Energy school. The new 760-student facility would nearly double the size of the original building while using less than half the energy. Completed in 2017, the school earned LEED Platinum certification and the 2019 ASHRAE Technology Award, making it one of the most energy-efficient learning environments in the country.

Challenge

Wilde Lake Middle School was outdated, undersized, and inefficient. Enrollment was projected to rise by nearly 50 percent, putting even more strain on the building. Howard County Public Schools needed a modern facility that could support more students, reduce energy costs, and meet their strong commitment to sustainability. Their goal was to create Maryland’s first Net Zero Energy school, which required advanced building systems and dependable HVAC solutions to make it possible.

Solution

Havtech partnered with Howard County Public Schools to design and deliver high-performance HVAC and building systems that enabled net zero energy performance. Key solutions included:

Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems for energy-efficient temperature control.
Packaged Rooftop and Self-Contained Units for reliable, flexible capacity.
Air Distribution to ensure healthy indoor air quality and comfort.
Electric Heat Solutions to support renewable integration.
Integration with solar arrays and a geothermal system, supported by Maryland Energy Administration’s Net Zero School Initiative grant.

Together, these systems reduced HVAC loads, improved classroom comfort, and supported seamless integration with renewable power sources.

Conclusion

The Wilde Lake Middle School project shows how the right HVAC systems can turn ambitious design goals into reality. By providing Daikin VRF, packaged rooftop units, Aldes air distribution, and Markel electric heat, Havtech helped Howard County Public Schools deliver Maryland’s first Net Zero Energy school. The new facility serves more students, consumes less energy, and has earned national recognition for its design.

Details:

Owner/Developer:
HCPSS / Howard County Public Schools

Mechanical Design Build Partner:
James Posey Associates

General Contractor:
Oak Contracting

Architects:
TCA Architects

Building Type:
K-12 Schools

Square Footage:
106,221 sq. ft.

Systems Provided by Havtech:
Daikin VRF packaged rooftop units, Aldes air distribution, Markel electric heat

Results

Increased Capacity & Reliable Comfort

The new school serves 49% more students than the original facility.
Havtech’s HVAC systems help maintain consistent indoor air quality and comfort across classrooms, labs, and gathering spaces.

Improved Energy Efficiency

50% less energy consumption achieved through the integration of Daikin VRV, packaged rooftop units, Aldes air distribution, and Markel electric heat.
Havtech’s systems supported the school’s goal of Net Zero energy performance compared to the original facility.

National recognition

Recognized with LEED Platinum Certification, the highest level of sustainable building recognition.
Honored with the 2019 ASHRAE Technology Award, supported by Havtech’s high-performance HVAC systems.