Pell School Verified as Green School

After a rigorous review, the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) designated the new Pell School as a Green School built in accordance with the Northeast Collaborative for High Performance Schools (NECHPS) protocol. 

"I can honestly say I’m happy to be here tonight," quipped Newport School Committee member Jo Eva Gaines at the City Council meeting on Wednesday night. She told council members Newport Public Schools was recognized at the Rhode Island Board of Education (RIDE) meeting on Monday night for the achievement.  

Pell was completed during the Summer of 2013 and welcomed students for the first time in September.

Green Schools are considered energy efficient, environmentally friendly, healthy and more productive for learning.  

“This School is a wonderful tribute to the legacy of an outstanding national advocate for education, US Senator Claiborne Pell. The School was built to the highest standards of design and construction in order to create learning spaces that have a positive impact on the health of students and staff and a minimal impact on the environment,” said Rhode Island Education Commissioner Deborah Gist.  

In addition to complying with all the NECHPS prerequisites, the facility pursued 29 elective credits, which resulted in 37 points awarded. Among the features that distinguished this school’s design and construction are:  

• projected energy savings of 50 percent above code
• 40 percent reduction in potable water use
• classrooms that are well illuminated with natural and artificial light, thermally comfortable, and have healthy indoor air.