NeoCity Academy Expands with Focus on Sustainability: Skanska Completes $29 Million Project

‍Kissimmee, FL (July 13, 2024): – Skanska, a leading construction and development firm, has finalized a $29 million expansion project for NeoCity Academy, Florida's first net-zero high school campus. The three-story addition encompasses 53,000 square feet and features 26 new classrooms designed to foster collaborative learning and laboratory experiences.

This project exemplifies Skanska's dedication to high-performance building practices, a crucial aspect for educational institutions. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, energy expenses are the second-highest operational cost for schools. NeoCity Academy's expansion prioritizes sustainability through several innovative features:

• Photovoltaic Canopy: This dual-purpose structure generates solar energy, provides shade, and serves as a sheltered space.
• LED Lighting & Solar Panel Infrastructure: Energy-efficient LED lighting has been installed throughout the new building. Additionally, the design incorporates designated pathways for future rooftop solar panels to further enhance energy independence.
• Photovoltaic "Mixer" Space: This unique space functions as a gathering area for students and teachers while generating renewable energy.

"We are thrilled to deliver this sustainable expansion for NeoCity Academy and the Osceola County School District," said Daniel Abou-Jaoude, Vice President at Skanska. "This project embodies Skanska's commitment to constructing innovative and forward-thinking educational facilities across Florida."

Sustainable Design and Construction

The NeoCity Academy expansion boasts a high-performance building envelope that minimizes air leakage and effectively regulates temperature, air circulation, and moisture. Strategic window placement and sizing work in conjunction with a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) to decrease the school's Energy Use Index and mitigate heat gain.

Skanska's work extended beyond the new building, encompassing additional improvements across the campus to accommodate a growing student body of up to 600. These enhancements include a new canopy and expanded covered walkways, fostering opportunities for outdoor learning and improved connectivity between buildings.

Skanska remains a prominent leader in K-12 construction projects throughout Tampa Bay and Central Florida.