CTA Construction building Weston High School's science lab to meet LEED Silver standards

CTA Construction Co. Inc. is building the new science wing at Weston High School to meet LEED Silver standards, following sustainable, environmentally responsible building practices. The addition and renovation of science labs, a $9.4 million project, are being constructed to the standards of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver level, a sustainable-building certification system administered by the U.S. Green Building Council. "CTA Construction is pleased to partner with Weston to build a modern science wing that will enhance the quality of education. CTA brings a wealth of experience building schools and meeting LEED standards that ensure environmentally responsible construction practices," said Leonard Johnson, CTA's project manager for Weston High School. Waltham-based CTA is experienced in working with clients, architects and suppliers in obtaining a LEED rating, which requires meeting a variety of standards that include use of cost-efficient mechanical systems in the building as well as constructing with recycled and locally produced materials. The Weston science wing includes steel manufactured in Morrisville, Penn., meeting LEED requirements for regional materials and post-consumer recycled content. In addition, low-emitting adhesives and sealants are being used on the exterior glazing and the roofing products. Construction of a two-story addition to Weston High School was started at the beginning of this year's summer recess. The project will modernize the science labs and classrooms, adding seven new classrooms and expanding two existing rooms. The 27,000 s/f addition, combined with the renovation of existing rooms, will result in new, larger science labs and refurbished classrooms, a multi-media conference lab, and space for storage and preparation. The new state-of-the-art science facility, which will include the very latest safety features and meet environmental standards, will meet the future needs of Weston High School. The Weston High School project will be completed in three phases, starting renovations to the existing school that were completed during the summer. The second phase will be completing the addition during the school year with disruptions minimized by keeping construction activity within the new wing. The addition is scheduled for completion in August 2012. Additional renovation to the existing space - the third phase - will take place during the summer of 2012 and the entire facility is scheduled for use by fall of 2012 During the project's first phase, CTA also installed 10,000 feet of fire sprinkler pipes in the three largest buildings on the high school campus, finishing the fire suppression work a year ahead of the project schedule. CTA managers credit the ability to alter schedules in the field to the close working relationship with the entire project team, including the owner's project manager, Compass Project Management, the architect, Dore & Whittier, and Weston town and school officials. CTA has been the general contractor on more than 40 public schools and buildings valued over $450 million in the past decade.