DARIEN, IL -- 05/22/08 --
Wight & Company, an architecture, construction
and engineering firm at the forefront of sustainable design, is pleased to
announce that its client, Lace Elementary School in Darien, Ill., was
awarded a $90,154 grant from the DuPage County Stormwater Committee for the
construction of a green roof and rain garden. The 2,800 square-foot garden
roof will help protect the environment and is part of a building
redevelopment project now being implemented by Wight & Company for the
Darien School District.
Lace Elementary intends to make the project an environmental showcase for
students, visitors and the community. The green roof and rain garden will
provide students with a chance to understand that rainwater is a resource,
not a waste product. The rainwater lands on a green roof. If it is not
absorbed and evaporated by the plants and soil, the rain will come down to
the ground and channel back into the earth within a rain garden -- cooling,
cleaning and evaporating the water even further.
"All grade levels of the science arena will become stronger due to the
design and construction of the green roof and rain garden project," said
Jim Zay (District 6), Chairman of the County's Stormwater Committee. "This
project will provide Lace School's 'go green' after-school environmental
club with additional opportunities for environmental learning and
stewardship."
Since the green roof and rain garden will absorb and filter rainwater, the
project contributes to the County's goal for stormwater management --
reducing the quantity and improving the quality of the water. The green
roof will also save energy by keeping the building warmer in the winter and
cooler in the summer.
"Our district believes that education should prepare young people to be
responsible citizens, and we think it's important to lead by example," said
Chip Johnson, Superintendent of Schools for Darien Public Schools District
#61. "Our vision is to have a green roof on each of our elementary school
buildings, and this grant moves us closer to making this a reality. The
teaching and learning opportunities are endless for our students."
"The green roof is a visible way for Lace Elementary to show the community
the benefits of going green," said Rich Carlson, AIA, LEED AP, Wight's
Group President of Architecture. "It's not only a great educational tool,
but will also help the district reduce maintenance and energy costs."
The green roof will be built above the school's entryway and is expected to
be completed by summer.
About DuPage County Stormwater Management Committee
The DuPage County Stormwater Management Committee (DSMC) recognizes the
critical need to limit the reoccurrence of extensive flood damages and its
objectives include: reduce potential for stormwater damage; control future
increases in stormwater damage; protect and enhance the quality of water
resources; preserve and enhance aquatic and riparian environments; control
sediment and erosion; and promote equitable, acceptable, and legal
stormwater measures. For more information, please visit:
www.dupageco.org/dec/
About Lace Elementary, Darien Public School District #61
"The mission of Lace School is to develop each child's academic and social
skills in preparation for life situations. The Lace School community will
work together to educate all children in a supportive and safe environment
which promotes each child's self-esteem. For more information, visit
http://www.darien61.org/
About Wight & Company
Wight & Company is a leader in integrated solutions for the built
environment. Its professional staff of more than 165 specialists has been
providing clients with architecture and engineering services since 1939,
and design-build and construction management services for more than a
decade. Wight is committed to green design principles and has 28
LEED-accredited professionals on its staff. It maintains offices in
downtown Chicago, Darien, Ill., and South Bend, Ind. For more information,
visit www.wightco.com.
Contact information:
Peter Duckler
(312) 649-0371
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