Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
may differ depending upon user needs a cost allowance as suggested by the Department of Public <br />Instruction of $1.75 per building square foot should be used. <br />Equipment such as computers, file servers, printers, telephones, copiers, facsimiles, and video <br />recorders should also be included in the budget. For planning purposes, an estimate of $4.00 per <br />square foot is to be used <br />Energy Efficiencies <br />An approved industry standard that measures energy use is the British Thermal Unit (BTU). <br />Electric and natural gas consumption can easily be converted into BTUs and comparative <br />analysis can be developed. Today's energy efficient schools should operate in the range of <br />40,000 to 50,000 BTU per square foot. This range allows for computer equipment in classrooms <br />and after hour use of facilities. If an energy usage target is established for construction of new <br />schools, the planners have the flexibility of specifying the mix of mechanical systems, chillers, <br />daylighting techniques, roofing systems, insulation, energy management systems, etc to achieve <br />the agreed upon energy goal. An integral part of the equipment specification process includes the <br />development of life cycle cost analysis data regarding the proposed equipment. <br />The energy BTU goal and life cycle cost analysis should be a required amendment in the contract <br />between the school system and architect/engineer. Other recommendations in this area include: <br />(I)all classrooms should have exterior exposure with windows; and (2) heating and cooling <br />systems should be easily interchangeable. <br />Site Issues <br />The property size of new schools should at a minimum follow established recommendations <br />from the Department of Public Instruction These are: <br />Elementary School 10 usable acres plus I usable acre per 100 students <br />Middle School 15 usable acres plus I usable acre per 100 students <br />High School 30 usable acres plus 1 usable acre per 100 students <br />School systems should actively pursue partnering agreements with tine towns and the County <br />Parks and Recreation Departments, private developers, and businesses in an effort to maximize <br />shared facilities. <br />Other site considerations include: <br />1. Landscaping and buffers should be included in all school plans. <br />1 Athletic fields at the high school and middle school level should be equipped with <br />irrigation systems. At a minimum, irrigation should be installed on the primary <br />Page 14 <br />