Projects

Bishop O’Dowd High School Center for Environmental Studies

Bishop O’Dowd High School Center for Environmental Studies

Oakland, California
United States
Bishop

The Bishop O’Dowd High School Center for Environmental Studies (CES) is home to the school’s environmental science and engineering program.

Designed to complement the Living Lab—a 4.5-acre hillside restoration site, ecological study area, and wildlife habitat at the campus perimeter—a new building and landscape elements tie the Living Lab to the campus core.

The new academic building features two large laboratory classrooms, a faculty office, prep space, restrooms, and storage. Sustainable building systems and materials—locally sourced, renewable building materials; roof-mounted photovoltaic panels for renewable power; on-site collection and treatment of stormwater, and rainwater harvesting— are showcased and easily accessed to serve as teaching tools.

A 4,000-gallon above-ground rainwater cistern is located next to the building. There is filtration and ultraviolet disinfection inside the facility before the water is used for toilet flushing.

Sustainability

  • LEED Platinum Certified
  • Zero Net Energy
Awards
ZNE School Leadership Award, 2017
New Buildings Institute

Related Projects