Boyce Middle School a LEED-Certified Building

The U.S. Green Building Council has deemed the Upper St. Clair School District's Boyce Middle School to be a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design)-certified building, according to a district news release.

Boyce Middle is at the council's Silver level, and that designation represents an additional $567,760 in PlanCon reimbursement from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to the USC District.

Boyce is one of the first LEED-certified public schools in Allegheny County.

The categories of the LEED certification for Boyce include high-performance for its Sustainable Site, Water Efficiency, Energy & Atmosphere, Materials & Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality and Innovation, including utilization of the school as a teaching tool for environmental learning, the release states.

In September 2008, the Upper St. Clair School Board recommended the establishment of a LEED study committee chaired by board member Rebecca Stern. The study committee served as a vehicle for local business and professional leaders to lend their expertise toward a middle schools renovation project.

"Our USC School Board members were driving forces in making the LEED certification happen and should be proud," district Superintendent Dr. Patrick T. O'Toole said in the release. "In addition to the financial benefits, it sends a great message to the students and the community about social responsibility, science and the benefits of a quality learning environment."

The renovation project began at Boyce in 2007 when the school board gave approval to begin conducting public meetings, community forums/workshops and Act 34 Hearings to discuss facilities renovation options for Boyce and Fort Couch middle schools. The project was approved in August 2009 and finished in January 2012.

The Upper St. Clair School District is also pursuing a Silver LEED certification for Fort Couch Middle, and that award could be expected within the next few months.