Academy for Global Citizenship: Delivering High-Performance Ventilation for a Net-Positive School

Goal: High-Performance Learning Environment

The Academy for Global Citizenship (AGC) in Chicago set out to become a global benchmark for sustainable school design. The project team pursued Living Building Challenge certification while targeting net-positive energy and water performance, ambitious goals that required every building system to maximize efficiency and occupant well-being.

The school needed a ventilation solution that could reduce energy consumption, support exceptional indoor air quality, and align with stringent sustainability requirements.

Solution: Advanced Air Handling System with GOLD

To help achieve these objectives, the design team selected three Swegon GOLD RX dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS). The units were chosen for their high heat recovery efficiency, low energy consumption, advanced demand-control ventilation capabilities, and integrated controls designed to optimize building performance.

The system continuously adjusts ventilation rates based on occupancy levels and indoor air quality requirements, helping ensure students and staff receive the right amount of fresh air while minimizing unnecessary energy use. Swegon's energy recovery technology further reduces heating and cooling loads by capturing energy from exhaust air and transferring it back into the incoming fresh air stream.

Results and Benefits

Reduced Energy Consumption

High-efficiency heat recovery and demand-controlled ventilation helped minimize HVAC energy use and support the school's ambitious sustainability goals.

Enhanced Indoor Air Quality

The ventilation system delivers fresh air above code minimums, creating a healthier indoor environment for students and staff.

Support for Net-Positive Building Performance

The HVAC solution contributed to the project's pursuit of Living Building Challenge certification and net-positive energy objectives.

Improved Occupant Comfort

Advanced controls continuously adjust ventilation based on occupancy and air quality needs, helping maintain a comfortable learning environment.