Swampscott Elementary School Earns High Marks For Energy Efficiency

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — The new Swampscott Elementary School recently earned LEED Gold Certification — far surpassing its sustainability goal — in establishing the school as "a blueprint for the future of sustainable schools."

The elementary school's LEED Gold Certification is more than just an achievement — it is a testament to the town's leadership in green building, environmental responsibility, and educational excellence," Superintendent Pamela Angelakis said in a news release to Patch. "This school now serves as an inspiration not only for the students, teachers and larger community of Swampscott, but also for future K-12 educational facilities, proving that sustainability plays a role in student success.

As students and teachers step into this state-of-the-art, energy-efficient learning environment, they are not only benefiting from superior air quality, comfort, and efficiency, they are also part of a broader movement toward a greener, more sustainable future.

"Swampscott Elementary School is more than just a place of learning — it's a commitment to future generations that education and environmental responsibility can shape a brighter, healthier world."

The district and design firm Lavallee Brensinger Architects initially targeted LEED Silver Certification but officials said "their commitment to innovation and sustainability propelled the project beyond expectations" with Angelakis calling the new school "one of the greenest, most energy-efficient schools in Massachusetts" in the release.

Design elements aimed at reducing the school's environmental footprint include cutting-edge energy systems, water-conserving fixtures, innovative building strategies, natural daylighting and extensive use of environmentally friendly materials.

Key features include a high-performance HVAC system, geothermal energy integration, smart ventilation technology in the cafeteria, kitchen and gymnasium.

"The success of this project is the result of years of planning, collaboration, and dedication," Angelakis said in the release. "Since 2019, the School Building Committee, in partnership with the town of Swampscott, the School Committee, LiRo-Hill, and Lavallee Brensinger Architects, worked to bring this vision to life."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)