Casady School Earns First LEED Silver in Oklahoma

Oklahoma City, OK, May 27, 2011 — Architectural Design Group, Inc., an Oklahoma City-based architecture, planning, interiors and program management firm, is proud to announce that Casady School’s new W.R. Johnston Math Building has been awarded LEED® Silver established by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). This is the first LEED for Schools 2.0 certified project in the state of Oklahoma. LEED is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

Architectural Design Group led an experienced team of engineers and consultants to design the facility to meet the stringent LEED for Schools 2.0 standards. Smith + Pickel Construction is responsible for construction and documented the materials and waste management throughout the building process. The LEED standards include strict energy use guidelines, sound-dampening requirements, natural daylighting as well as incorporating a variety of sustainable strategies and materials.

The building boasts the newest, most innovative features to support Casady’s Upper Division math curriculum, including ample classroom space for every course offered, interactive white boards, internet access and the latest technology in every classroom. Casady has set an example with its commitment to building a healthy environment for students, faculty and the larger community by constructing the first school building in the state of Oklahoma to achieve LEED Silver for Schools.

The LEED for Schools Rating System recognizes the unique nature of the design and construction of K-12 schools. Based on the LEED for New Construction rating system, it addresses issues such as classroom acoustics, master planning, mold prevention and environmental site assessment. By addressing the uniqueness of school spaces and children's health issues, LEED for Schools provides a unique, comprehensive tool for schools that wish to build green, with measurable results.

The 8,900-square-foot building, which opened to students in October 2010, has just completed the lengthy submittal and review process necessary to acheive certification with the USGBC. A certification award ceremony is being planned for a later date so that parents, friends and alumni will get a chance to visit the building that has set a new standard on the Casady campus and in Oklahoma.

For over 35 years, Architectural Design Group, Inc. has provided services for the Oklahoma City metropolitan area and throughout the nation, creating successful projects for education, corporate, healthcare, housing, church and government clients. With 15 registered architects and 44 employees, ADG consistently ranks as one of the largest design and program management firms in Oklahoma.

For more information on Architectural Design Group, contact Anne-Marie Funk, Director of Business Development at 405.232.5700, email: afunk@adgokc.com.

For information on Casady School contact Laura Lang, Director of Institutional Advancement at 405.749.3186, email: langl@casady.org. Or visit Casady Schools web site at www.casady.org.