Photo © James Ewing
In September, the Kathleen Grimm School for Leadership and Sustainability at Sandy Ground was opened in Staten Island, N.Y., becoming New York City’s first net-zero energy school. Designed by Skidmore Owings & Merrill and built by Leon D. DeMatteis Construction, the 68,000-sf primary school will produce as much energy as it uses on an annual basis. Photovoltaic panels on a sloped roof will produce 662,500 kWh of energy. Skylights and reflective ceiling panels bring in natural light.