Net Zero Energy Schools: Lower Emissions, Higher Standards in Baltimore

Supercool

Baltimore is setting a new benchmark for education and sustainability with its groundbreaking net zero energy schools. Holabird Academy and Graceland Park, both public pre-k through 8th-grade schools, are redefining what it means to learn in a future-forward environment free from fossil fuels. With solar panels on the roof, geothermal wells below the ballfields, and energy-efficient features throughout, they generate all the power they need to operate. While a clear win for the planet, their transformational impact on the lives of students, teachers, administrators, and the broader community is where the benefits multiply and become magnified.

In this episode, we’re joined by Stephanie Novak Pappas, the award-winning Principal of Holabird Academy, to discuss how the new building profoundly shapes the school’s learning environment. We also speak with Amy Upton, Director of Environmental Design and Principal at Grimm & Parker Architects. Amy spearheaded the Holabird project and discusses the vision, design, and dedication of a veritable army of sustainability and construction professionals who brought Holabird to life—on time and within budget.

What stands out in today’s conversation is how high-performance buildings designed for low planetary impact can profoundly change the trajectory of a community, perhaps even a city, and accelerate it toward a brighter, more positive future. The single greatest key to success, the secret sauce, might just be sustained, unbridled enthusiasm.

Show Links:
Guests: Stephanie Novak Pappas and Amy Upton
School: Holabird Academy
Company: Grimm + Parker Architects (see the Holabird project)

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