Metro Nashville Public School’s (MNPS) Goodlettsville Elementary School has earned LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), recognizing the project’s commitment to sustainable and innovative design.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the world’s leading green building certification program, recognizing projects that demonstrate excellence in sustainability, energy efficiency, water conservation, material selection and indoor environmental quality.
“We have greatly enjoyed partnering with MNPS to advance its sustainability initiatives. Throughout the design process, our goal was to create a facility that not only met these objectives but also reflected the long-term vision of environmentally responsible design,” GMC Senior Vice President of Architecture Roy Garcia said. “We sincerely appreciate the commitment and collaboration of MNPS, the general contractor and the user groups. Their shared dedication was instrumental in bringing this vision to life and creating a more sustainable learning environment for generations of students.”
Designed by Goodwyn Mills Cawood, the 81,750-square-foot elementary school achieved LEED Gold Certification by incorporating numerous energy-efficient and environmentally responsible features, including high-efficiency plumbing fixtures, efficient lighting and HVAC systems and low-emitting materials – including flooring, ceilings, paints, coatings and insulation – to help reduce indoor airborne volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The school’s MEP systems were designed for long-term efficiency with high-efficiency geothermal heat pump air handlers, condensing natural gas water heaters, LED lighting, daylight sensors, centralized lighting controls and enhanced ventilation strategies that reduce energy use, improve indoor air quality and create a healthier, more comfortable learning environment for students and staff.
Sustainability efforts extended beyond the building through thoughtful site and water management strategies, including stormwater controls, construction waste reduction, recycled and regional materials and a graywater harvesting system that captures condensate and roof drainage for irrigation and water closets. Together, these features helped reduce the school’s environmental impact while conserving valuable resources.
Since opening in 2023, Goodlettsville Elementary School has received multiple industry honors, including the ENR Southeast 2024 Best Projects Award of Merit for K-12 Education, 2023 Tennessee School Boards Association School of the Year Award for New Elementary School Construction and the AGC 2024 Build Tennessee Award for Institutional Projects.
Beyond sustainability, the school reflects a thoughtful, student-centered design approach that prioritizes creativity, collaboration and community. Together, these elements have created a successful learning environment to support students and the community.
GMC served as the lead design firm for the project, working alongside RC Anderson Co. as the general contractor, Barge Civil Associates as the civil engineer, Structural Design Group as the structural engineer and I.C. Thomasson as the mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineer.
