Collaborative for High Performance Schools(CHPS)

The Northeast Collaborative for High Performance Schools (Northeast CHPS) Protocol http://www.neep.org/HPSE/index.php is a set of building and design standards for all schools from pre-K through community colleges. It is based on California's pioneering CHPS guide for the building of energy efficient, environmentally friendly, healthy school facilities. It has been tailored specifically for state code requirements, the New England climate, and the environmental priorities of the region.

The purpose of Northeast-CHPS is to encourage the construction of schools that provide premium educational environments and other important health, productivity, and economic benefits for students, educators, administrators and the public. High performance schools provide high quality learning environments, conserve natural resources, consume less energy, are easier to maintain, and provide an enhanced community resource.

New Hampshire is using CHPS to define what a high performance school is for the purposes of the NH Department of Education’s School Building Aid program; a school which meets the criteria set out in the CHPS protocol is eligible for up to 3% additional School Building Aid upon verification that the building meets those guidelines.

Merrimack Valley High School was the first NE CHPS school in New Hampshire. In this picture you can see (l-r) the old building envelope, under construction, and the new exterior.

Schools can earn CHPS points in seven areas: policy and operation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, water efficiency, materials, site, and innovation. CHPS standards emphasize quality learning environments and money saving measures. Following CHPS standards helps schools create a comfortable environment for learning with high quality lighting, extensive use of daylighting, a tight building envelope and energy efficient HVAC systems providing comfort and healthy indoor air quality at the lowest cost. Construction practices emphasize conservation of resources and use of high quality, durable materials.  Good siting decisions encourage use of pedestrian, bicycle and mass transit, as well as access to solar benefits for the building. A high performance school provides an environment that enhances the primary mission of public schools: the education of future citizens.