School Health

The new School Health building is a 112,505 square foot corporate headquarters and logistics warehouse, conveniently located 15 minutes from O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. School Health Corporation designed and constructed a sustainable and energy-efficient facility because LEED-certified buildings have lower operating costs and offer better indoor environmental quality. This creates a healthier place for our employees to work. Running an environmentally friendly business is good for our ecosystem and our budget and helps attract customers who are passionate about sustainable living. More than 4,000 schools are LEED-certified, and many schools seek suppliers with sustainability practices.

Inside, we focused on creating a safe and healthy environment by using materials, glues, sealants, paints, and other materials with little to no volatile organic compounds. Our finishes offer high-level acoustic performance, highly efficient air filters, and natural light for all regularly occupied spaces. Lighting was installed with LED lamps and sensors that are reactive to natural light and human presence. The quality of indoor air, the supply of natural light, and the regulation of room by room heating and cooling provides our team with the best possible experience.

On the exterior, precast concrete walls and roof panels are heavily insulated to maximize the efficiency of our heating and cooling systems. Rainwater collects on our roof and parking lot and drains into a combination wet retention/dry detention area which reduces the burden on local sewer systems. The stormwater runoff area has become a wetland, landscaped with native grasses and wildflowers which reduce soil erosion and sedimentation, improve water quality, and provide a wildlife habitat. In the first spring after construction, the site attracted insects, butterflies, frogs, turtles, and birds. The pond has been stocked with tuffy minnows, bluegill, and bass. A crushed stone walking path encircles the perimeter of the 10-acre property, providing an opportunity for employees to get fresh air and exercise.

Additional LEED credits were earned from the installation of bicycle racks and storage, and electric vehicle charging stations.