The St. Johns County School District (SJCSD) has achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification for Palencia Elementary School (PES) from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). With a total of 51 documented and approved points, PES earned silver certification level under the LEED for Schools rating system.

LEED certification identifies Palencia Elementary School as a pioneering example of sustainable design and demonstrating leadership in transforming the building industry. PES was required to achieve and document strict credit requirements over seven LEED program areas: sustainable sites; water efficiency; energy and atmosphere; materials and resources; indoor environmental quality; innovation in design; and regional priorities.

“Achieving USGBC’s LEED Silver certification demonstrates the district’s commitment to designing and constructing highly energy efficient facilities, creating significant cost savings over the life-cycle of the facility, and teaching our students to be good stewards of our precious natural resources,” said Paul Rose, executive director for Facilities and New Construction.