Vernon Secondary School

 Vernon Secondary School, a 950-student capacity facility, is a product of numerous visioning sessions with educators and input from students, maintenance and operations teams, and the school parent advisory committee. Sustainability principles are incorporated through the use of geothermal energy for heating, in-floor heating in common areas, heat recovery systems, non-toxic building materials, low maintenance durable flooring, increased natural light, energy efficient lighting with daylight controls, efficient glazing, high recycled content, recycling programs designed into the facility, and water efficient plumbing fixtures. British Columbia wood is visible in the large beams and ceilings in the gymnasium and the shops wing. The school also includes some recovered elements from the old building, including the gymnasium bleachers and newer kitchen equipment. Each of these elements contribute to creating a healthier environment conducive to learning and to imparting values consistent with progressive education. The project is designed to LEED ® Gold standards.