Students Design Zero-Energy Elementary School for Department of Energy Competition

February 13, 2018

Zach Berzolla ’18 taught a winter term course in which students designed an elementary school powered by renewable energy. The class has entered their design in a U.S. Department of Energy competition.

Zach Berzolla ’18 goes over design details with members of his J-term course. The students hope to make it to the final round in the ‘Race to Zero’ competition.

Gigi Miller ’18, a joint computer science and studio art major, presents the Middlebury team’s findings and design concepts at Franklin Environmental Center at the end of winter term.

Whether or not Berzolla and company’s zero-energy Mary Hogan Elementary ever gets built, the benefits of this particular class extend well beyond the classroom.

“Zach’s J-term class provides a perfect opportunity for students to contribute their educational talents to better solutions that meet the climate challenge,” said Byrne. “This is a win-win because the students advance their skills and capabilities, and society gains new talent and ideas.”

By Gaen Murphree; Photos by Todd Balfour

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