FOND DU LAC, WI — Several community groups banded together to plan and complete the construction of a 400,000-sq-ft geothermal high school in the school district of Fond du Lac. The school board was supported by Wisconsin Focus on Energy (the State of Wisconsin’s energy efficiency program), Alliant Energy, Wisconsin Geothermal Association, and Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium.

The Fond du Lac school is an example of how renewable energy and energy efficient building techniques are gaining interest and support among the general public. But when the idea of the new building emerged, residents of the community had mixed emotions.

“Our superintendent stressed the importance of keeping residents informed,” said Jim Gescheidle, supervisor of building and grounds. “We developed numerous video walk-throughs shown on the community cable station during the construction process and made sure local media were briefed on the school’s progress.”