Construction Magazine July 2018 | Page 69

USA

“ We work with local utility companies to figure out how we can become more efficient without taking away from the

comfort and functionality of the buildings ”

— Alan Ruth , Vice President of Facilities & Construction
“ We use different materials now that meet more of the LEED Certification as we strive to become LEED certified . We ’ re using more recycled materials that are safe for children like LVT ( luxury vinyl tile ) flooring . We ’ re becoming wiser with the materials we use , which sends a good message .” Ruth adds that this sustainable focus is important for children to see . “ Part of the education is building efficient buildings to teach responsibility for future generations such as how to control lighting .”
That ’ s just one-way New Horizon Academy is focused on building communities for the future . Its proudest achievement in Ruth ’ s book is a flagship center in north Minneapolis . “ It ’ s one of the more impoverished areas , but we built our nicest ever building there for the community to reinvest in the children . We ’ re basically going into areas others won ’ t , taking on challenges others won ’ t and turning around projects that the community loves . That ’ s what I ’ m most proud of .”
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