The new 143,000-square-foot Concord Middle School is built for tomorrow. It is all-electric and Net Zero Ready. (Photo Courtesy Cole Ewing)
CONCORD — The new Ellen Garrison Building at Concord Middle School was built to use no more energy than it produces, meeting ambitious sustainability goals.
The project began after voters in 2019 approved funding for a fully electric, energy-efficient school. The building, which opened in February 2025, meets those goals with systems that reduce both energy use and environmental impact.
The school has a projected Energy Use Intensity rating of 25.1, meaning it will use less than half the energy of a typical school built to state code. The structure is sealed tightly to prevent air leaks, helping maintain a comfortable temperature year-round while lowering energy costs.
Electric heat pumps provide heating and cooling, and classrooms receive fresh air through a system controlled by carbon dioxide sensors. When air quality changes, the system adjusts automatically to maintain a healthy learning environment. Every classroom was also designed to make the best use of daylight to improve comfort and save energy.
To reduce water use, the school installed low-flow toilets, faucets, and showers, along with energy-efficient dishwashers. These changes cut indoor water use by 27.3%.
Signs throughout the building explain how students and staff can help conserve water and use resources responsibly, both in school and at home. This fall, students are participating in a scavenger hunt, with mounted televisions around the school displaying challenges that encourage students to locate the signs.
Outside, drought-resistant landscaping and a rainwater management system reduce runoff. The campus also includes electric vehicle charging stations.
A 12.7-megawatt solar array with battery storage will generate enough electricity each year to offset the building’s total energy use. The system will make the Ellen Garrison Building fully net zero.
The new middle school is designed to meet or exceed Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification standards.
“Every aspect of this building was designed with the future in mind,” said Superintendent Dr. Laurie Hunter. “This building shows the District’s effort to plan for the future while being responsible with town resources, and it will serve as an inspiring learning environment for generations of students.”
The Concord-Carlisle Regional School District wishes to recognize the Concord Middle School Building Committee, comprised of Town staff and community members, for their efforts leading to the new school, and thanks the community for its support of the project.
SMMA and Ewing Cole designed the Ellen Garrison Building at Concord Middle School. The design team featured many subconsultants with expertise in various aspects of design and construction, including Nitsch for civil engineering and permitting, and Steven Winter Associates for passive house consultancy. Hill International served as the owner’s project manager.
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Sustainability signs are posted throughout the Ellen Garrison Building at Concord Middle School, including ones that provide tips for water efficiency regarding indoor water use. (Photo Courtesy Concord-Carlisle Regional School District)
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