Virginia, October 15, 2025
A groundbreaking public school designed as a ‘Living Building’ is currently under construction along the James River in Virginia. This innovative facility is set to generate its own energy and manage wastewater, establishing a new benchmark for sustainable education infrastructure. The project’s completion is expected to provide enhanced learning environments for students, promoting ecological responsibility and awareness within the educational system.
Henrico County, Virginia, Breaks Ground on World’s First K-12 Public School ‘Living Building’
Henrico County, Virginia, has commenced construction on a groundbreaking environmental education center at Wilton Farm, set to be the world’s first K-12 public school certified as a ‘Living Building’. This innovative facility aims to set a new standard for sustainable education infrastructure.
Project Overview
The 15,000-square-foot center, with a budget of $16.3 million, is designed to be environmentally sustainable and self-sufficient. It will generate its own energy through solar panels, treat wastewater on-site, and utilize recycled materials in its construction. The facility is slated to open in late 2026 and will serve as the new home for Varina High School’s Center for Environmental Studies and Sustainability. Additionally, it will be accessible to students from other Henrico schools and members of the Varina community.
Historical Significance of Wilton Farm
Wilton Farm, a 1,200-acre property along the James River, holds significant historical value. In the 18th century, it was a tobacco plantation that housed the largest enslaved community in Henrico County. During the Revolutionary War, American troops led by the Marquis de Lafayette camped there. The decision to develop the ‘Living Building’ on this site reflects a commitment to honoring its complex history while promoting environmental conservation and education.
Design and Sustainability Features
The center’s design incorporates several sustainable features, including:
- Solar Panels: To generate more energy than the building consumes.
- Rainwater Collection System: For potable drinking water.
- Composting Toilets: To minimize waste.
- Green Roof: To filter rainwater and provide insulation.
- Recycled Construction Materials: To reduce landfill waste.
These elements align with the Living Building Challenge, a rigorous performance standard for sustainable buildings.
Community and Educational Impact
The ‘Living Building’ is expected to serve as a ‘living laboratory’ for students, offering hands-on experiences that may inspire future careers in environmental science and sustainability. The facility will also be available to the broader community, providing educational opportunities and promoting environmental stewardship.
Background Context
The project is a result of Henrico County’s 2019 purchase of Wilton Farm, which was previously zoned for residential development. The county’s decision to preserve the land for conservation and educational purposes reflects a broader commitment to sustainable development and historical preservation. The ‘Living Building’ project was approved by Henrico voters as part of the 2022 bond referendum, highlighting community support for innovative educational initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the ‘Living Building’ at Wilton Farm?
The ‘Living Building’ is a 15,000-square-foot environmental education center under construction in Henrico County, Virginia. It is designed to be the world’s first K-12 public school certified as a ‘Living Building,’ aiming to set a new standard for sustainable education infrastructure.
What are the key features of the ‘Living Building’?
The center will generate its own energy through solar panels, treat wastewater on-site, and utilize recycled materials in its construction. It is slated to open in late 2026 and will serve as the new home for Varina High School’s Center for Environmental Studies and Sustainability, accessible to students from other Henrico schools and members of the Varina community.
Why was Wilton Farm chosen for this project?
Wilton Farm, a 1,200-acre property along the James River, holds significant historical value. In the 18th century, it was a tobacco plantation that housed the largest enslaved community in Henrico County. During the Revolutionary War, American troops led by the Marquis de Lafayette camped there. The decision to develop the ‘Living Building’ on this site reflects a commitment to honoring its complex history while promoting environmental conservation and education.
What sustainable features are incorporated into the ‘Living Building’ design?
The center’s design includes solar panels to generate more energy than the building consumes, a rainwater collection system for potable drinking water, composting toilets to minimize waste, a green roof to filter rainwater and provide insulation, and recycled construction materials to reduce landfill waste. These elements align with the Living Building Challenge, a rigorous performance standard for sustainable buildings.
How will the ‘Living Building’ impact the community and education?
The ‘Living Building’ is expected to serve as a ‘living laboratory’ for students, offering hands-on experiences that may inspire future careers in environmental science and sustainability. The facility will also be available to the broader community, providing educational opportunities and promoting environmental stewardship.
What is the background of the ‘Living Building’ project?
The project is a result of Henrico County’s 2019 purchase of Wilton Farm, which was previously zoned for residential development. The county’s decision to preserve the land for conservation and educational purposes reflects a broader commitment to sustainable development and historical preservation. The ‘Living Building’ project was approved by Henrico voters as part of the 2022 bond referendum, highlighting community support for innovative educational initiatives.
Key Features of the ‘Living Building’ Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Solar Panels | Generate more energy than the building consumes. |
| Rainwater Collection System | Provides potable drinking water. |
| Composting Toilets | Minimize waste. |
| Green Roof | Filters rainwater and provides insulation. |
| Recycled Construction Materials | Reduce landfill waste. |
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Author: VIRGINIA STAFF WRITER
The VIRGINIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructionvanews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Virginia and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Virginia Build Expo, major infrastructure projects, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors of Virginia and the Home Builders Association of Virginia, plus leading businesses in construction and legal services that power the local economy such as CMiC Global and Williams Mullen. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructiontxnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.
