Superintendent Paul Mohr, Jr. said: "My district is in one of the toughest and grittiest neighborhoods in Phoenix. We have a documented rising incidence of asthma and pulmonary problems. When I became superintendent five years ago, I saw a need to offer basic health care to our families. I envisioned a new stand-alone facility for wellness and education."
Sustainable aspects of the building include: Photovoltaic solar panels that generate electricity; low-flow fixtures that reduce water consumption by 30 percent; low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints, carpet and other building materials; and a diverse landscape incorporating 30 species of indigenous plants, the story noted.
By promoting cleaner, healthier and more environmentally friendly indoor spaces, the Murphy School District hopes to see a student performance increase on math and reading tests, something that LEED-certified buildings have been shown to do, the story added.
