Skanska completes $29M expansion to NeoCity Academy, Florida’s first net-zero high school campus

KISSIMMEE, FL – Skanska, a leading construction firm, announces the completion of the expansion to NeoCity Academy, the first net-zero high school campus in Florida, located in Kissimmee. Spanning 53,000 square-feet, the three-story addition includes 26 new classrooms that feature a mix of collaborative learning spaces and laboratories. The completion of this expansion underscores Skanska’s commitment to implementing high-performance building principles.

Energy consumption represents the second-highest operational expense to schools, according to the U.S. Department of Energy and net-zero schools are paving the way for more sustainable educational environments. The NeoCity Academy expansion incorporated sustainable energy features such as a photovoltaic canopy that provides energy generation, sun protection and shelter, along with LED lighting and designated pathways for future rooftop solar panels. Additionally, the project included a photovoltaic ‘mixer’ space which serves as an incubator or gathering area for students and teachers.

“We’re excited to deliver this sustainability-focused expansion to NeoCity Academy and the School District of Osceola County,” said Daniel Abou-Jaoude, Vice President at Skanska. “This project is a testament to Skanska’s commitment to construct innovative and forward-thinking educational facilities throughout the state.”

The high-performance detailing and expansion of NeoCity Academy’s building envelope reduces air leakage and effectively controls heat, air, and moisture. Strategic window placement and sizing in addition to the dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) were key design and construction elements considered to minimize the school’s Energy Use Index and reduce heat gain.

Skanska’s scope of work on the expansion also included miscellaneous site improvements throughout the campus to support up to 600 students. A new canopy and additional covered walkway were also installed, creating spaces for outdoor learning and increased interconnectivity between both buildings.

Sustainability lies at the forefront of Skanska’s ethos. Committed to implementing environmentally conscious construction practices, Skanska delivers innovative buildings that perform efficiently and have a minimal impact on the environment by utilizing natural resources and seeking low-carbon solutions when possible. Skanska has set a goal to transition to low-carbon construction across all projects and ultimately reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2045.

Skanska is currently leading K-12 construction projects throughout Tampa Bay and Central Florida.