Net Zero Energy Schools: Lower Emissions, Higher Performance in Baltimore

Baltimore isn’t just building schools—it’s reshaping what education and sustainability can look like for the 21st century. At Holabird Academy and Graceland Park, two net-zero energy public schools, the future is already in session. Solar panels line the roofs, geothermal wells lie beneath the ballfields, and energy-efficient features keep these buildings running entirely on renewable power. But while these schools are a win for the planet, the real story is how they’re transforming the lives of everyone who steps inside—students, teachers, administrators, and the surrounding community.

Stephanie Novak Pappas, the award-winning Principal of Holabird Academy, joins the conversation to talk about how this cutting-edge building has profoundly impacted the school’s learning environment. We also speak with Amy Upton, Director of Environmental Design and Principal at Grimm & Parker Architects, the visionary behind the Holabird project. Amy walks us through the grit, innovation, and collaboration it took to bring this game-changing space to life, on time and under budget.

The takeaway? Buildings designed with low environmental impact don’t just reduce carbon—they elevate communities, maybe even cities, pushing them toward a future that’s not just greener but smarter, brighter, and better for everyone.

Show Links:

Guests: Stephanie Novak Pappas and Amy Upton

School: Holabird Academy

Company: Grimm + Parker Architects (see the Holabird project)

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