Sustainability was a key design consideration with an emphasis on lower operations and maintenance costs. Because the school was designed in 1998 – before LEED was conceptualized and implemented – the major design challenges were those associated with the facility being the first of its kind the region. These challenges also presented innovation opportunities to the SHW design experts. Transcending a traditional school building as a place for learning, Walker Elementary itself is part of the learning process. The facility is a learning tool and students are offered first-hand experiences through its sustainable features, which include:

• daylighting
• rainwater harvesting
• solar water heating
• wind energy
• sun dials
• native landscaping
• recycled building materials,
• a weather station
• water habitat
• class garden areas
• wide halls that double as additional learning spaces and computer stations

These and other features provide a healthy and comfortable facility that fosters improved academic performance and environmental stewardship, and distinguish Walker Elementary as one of the most comprehensive sustainable school in the United States.