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Schools

Gov. Malloy Attends Ceremony at Kingswood Oxford

Chase-Tallwood Science Math Technology Center, recognized for its state-of-the-art environmental design for schools, received Gold LEED Certification.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy addressed a crowd of donors, trustees, parents, alumni and students on Wednesday, congratulating the independent school and supporters for obtaining the Gold LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for its new math and technology center. (LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.)

The state-of-the-art Chase-Tallwood Science Math Technology Center
at KO has been awarded a LEED v2.0 Gold certification, recognizing that the building was designed and built in accordance with strict environmental standards. The Technology Center received the highest rating for its design, construction and operation of a high-performance “green” building.

The Gold LEED certification was recognized in a brief ceremony on campus Wednesday evening in front of the $13 million Center, which opened in September 2009, coinciding with the school’s centennial celebration.

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“We need to build all of our educational buildings to meet this standard,” said Malloy, who noted this achievement “reminds our young people to leave the world a better place.”

To obtain LEED certification, a building must earn points based on various elements of environmentally sound construction. According to a press release issued by the school, among the elements in the Center are its “white membrane roof with high reflectivity, individual controls for temperature adjustments, operable windows for natural ventilation and the use of natural lighting and occupancy sensors.”

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According to the proclamation issued by Governor Malloy, the Chase-Tallwood Science Math Technology Center has been certified as a LEED building “because of its implementation of technologies in energy savings, water efficiency, carbon emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality and stewardship of resources.”

The governor’s proclamation states, “By combining sustainable technology with its curriculum, Kingswood Oxford School is helping to prepare its students and the State of Connecticut for success in the field of sustainability, sustainable energy and production that will be crucial to our state’s growth and success.”

Head of School Dennis Bisgaard said in a prepared statement: “Now being one of the very few organizations in the state of Connecticut to receive the Gold LEED certification makes me beyond proud. Going into the design and building process of the Chase-Tallwood Science Math Technology Center, KO’s board and I were committed to creating an energy efficient building, taking KO’s role in global sustainability to heart.”

Students led tours of the 27,000-square-foot three-level building, designed by architect Tai Soo Kim. The building is full of natural light and houses a greenhouse, a saltwater aquarium and research labs. SMART Boards are in every classroom and there are two rooms outfitted for videoconferencing. Low-flow sinks and dual flush toilets significantly reduce the amount of water consumption. Two terraces and two faculty suites for science and math teachers promote collaboration among students and faculty.

In addition to Gov. Malloy, dignitaries at the event included State Sen. Beth Bye, West Hartford Mayor Scott Slifka, Avery Rockefeller, chairman of the KO board of trustees, and donor Arnold Chase. Bisgaard said the Center is named for the Chase family and for an anonymous donor whose family chose the name “Tallwood” as recognition for their contribution to the building.

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