OWINGS MILLS, MD — A new "net zero" elementary school was officially unveiled in Baltimore County on Wednesday, marking a first for Maryland.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at 10 a.m. at the new Deer Park Elementary School, located at 9835 Lyons Mill Road in Owings Mills.
Multiple school and county leaders, including County Executive Katherine Klausmeier and Superintendent William Heiser, were in attendance for the event.
Officials say the goal of the net-zero design is to bring down operating costs, provide a healthier school for students and, ultimately, lower greenhouse gas emissions.
The state-of-the-art facility has the capacity to seat 735 people, according to a release issued by Baltimore County Public Schools. It marks an increase of more than 400 seats when compared to past capacity limits.
The $70.6 million project comes with roof solar panels and geothermal HVAC, WMAR2 reported.
The school district says the building provides students and instructors with nearly 42,000 square feet more than the previous building.
The school opened to the public in August and is expected to continue serving the community for the next several decades.
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