The three buildings received the highest level of recognition in the Dane County Climate Champions program’s Building Design category. Their all-electric designs feature geothermal heating and cooling and achieved a 15% reduction in embodied carbon through the design process.
“Building more sustainable schools is about making thoughtful investments that serve our students and community for generations,” said Scott Chehak, MMSD senior executive director of building services. “These projects give us an opportunity to create modern learning environments that are efficient, comfortable and built to serve students and staff well into the future. It’s exciting to see the work recognized even before construction begins.”
The three projects are part of Phase 2 of MMSD’s 2024 facilities referendum, which was approved by voters to support major improvements to school facilities. Phase 1 buildings – Samuel Gompers Elementary School/Black Hawk Middle School and Sherman Middle School/Malcolm Shabazz City High School – also received 4-Star ratings in the Building Design category of the Climate Champions program in 2025, and are currently under construction.
“Sustainability has informed the design of these schools from the outset,” said Bryanna Krekeler, MMSD sustainability manager. “The 4-Star recognition is a great acknowledgment of that work and the thoughtful planning that has gone into these projects.”
Both Sennett and Cherokee Heights are set to break ground next month, with Toki/Orchard Ridge to follow in the early spring of 2027.
These projects represent a significant next step in MMSD’s work to provide school facilities while incorporating sustainable design practices.
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Madison Metropolitan School District
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