Brooklyn Poly Prep Lower School celebrated its LEED® Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council—in addition to its distinction of being the first school in New York City as well as the first primary school in the State of New York to be LEED certified—in a plaque presentation on June 10. In attendance was Sam White, representing the project architecture firm Platt Byard Dovell White Architects as well as borough commissioners, members of the public, and students from the school. Unanimously approved by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, the new addition preserves distinguishing characteristics of its original 1892 Hulbert mansion, which has been reconfigured, with a new addition that features eight new classrooms, a multi-purpose gymnasium, and a skylighted dance studio. Among the sustainable features that helped the project achieve its LEED certification are design for a 30-percent reduction in potable water consumption, demand-controlled ventilation in high activity spaces, 83.4 percent of construction waste diverted from landfill, recycled products used for 22.5 percent of project’s materials, and daylight and outside views afforded to all classrooms. (Photo © Lester Ali.)