COLUMBIA, MD — Wilde Lake Middle School has earned the distinction of being the fifth net-zero energy school in the nation. That means it produced as much energy as it used over the course of a year.

The school was completed in January 2017, with efficiencies built into its design including solar power, geothermal HVAC and responsive lighting systems. The International Living Future Institute officially designated Wilde Lake Middle School at Net Zero building, the Howard County Public School System announced recently.

It is the state of Maryland's first net-zero energy school and is among the first buildings in the state to achieve this status as well, school system officials reported. Completed in January 2017, Wilde Lake Middle School achieved LEED Platinum status, the highest sustainable building certification, in December 2017.



RELATED: Wilde Lake Middle School Opens as First Net-Zero School in Maryland Photo courtesy of Howard County Public School System.