River Trails School District #26’ Prairie Trails School in Mount Prospect, IL, has been honored with the Best in Class – Retrofit Revolutionary Award by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Efficient and Healthy Schools Program. 

The Efficient and Healthy Schools program recognizes schools implementing high-impact energy efficiency and indoor air quality improvements in their buildings. 

The net-zero Prairie Trails School houses preschool and kindergarten classes and district administration offices.  

IMEG collaborated with FGM Architects and River Trails School District to renovate the school, formerly known as Parkview Early Learning Center.  

Prairie Trails is the nation’s first net-zero energy school that also meets the 2018 PHIUS+ Source Zero project standard. The all-electric school has an operational EUI of 24 and saves the district $32,000 a year in energy costs. Data verified that the school produces more electricity than it uses via onsite solar PV, making it “net positive”.   

IMEG provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, technology, and commissioning services for the project, which was completed in 2021.  

The team also worked with the school district to obtain a $2 million grant through the Illinois Clean Energy program to offset the added costs of the improved envelope, all-electric HVAC system with a variable refrigerant flow system, dedicated outdoor air systems, and rooftop photovoltaic array. 

Prairie Trails School was previously named a 2023 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School. 

Learn more in this video about the project.