"Leonardo da Vinci" HQE High School, Calais

Important characteristics: ecological building with high energy savings.

• Grade level: 14 - 18 years
• Year of construction: 1999
• Capacity: 1800 students
• Ground area: 37.400 m2
• Building surface area (SLP): 20.322 m2
• Area per student: 11,29 m2
• Construction cost: 191 million French francs
• Cost per student 10,611 French francs

The design, made for the North Pas Regional Council of Calais, respects the environment with the use of economical and renewable energy placing the students comfort as the principle priority. Results: an ultra-modern, luminous and convivial high school. The design cost 15% more than a "normal" high school, but, it will save 30% of its water and energy consumption.

The investment was 30% more compared to the construction of a traditional high school, the same percentage is expected to be saved in global economy. The high school will also recover paper, cardboard and glass.

Electricity is supplied to the school by a 150 kW Seewind windmill propelled by the 10 to 90 km/h winds. This 35 meter high windmill has a 3-blade propeller with a 22-meter diameter.

There is an instructional passage where the students can see the solar panels, propeller, the terraces and all the things the school does for ecology. Every day, they will be told how much electricity the windmill and solar panels produced compared to the amount of energy consumed by the high school. Rainwater will be recovered, filtered and stored in a 200 cubic meter tank and the pumped throughout the school.

The choice of equipment and material used has reduced the negative impact on the environment and health. They do not contain toxic elements and can be recycled when the building must be demolished.