Winchester's Leap Towards a Sustainable Future

In anticipation of its grand opening in the fall of 2025, the new Lynch Elementary School is poised to make history as Winchester's first all-electric, carbon-neutral, net-zero building. This groundbreaking achievement signifies a monumental stride towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for our town.

What sets Lynch Elementary apart is its commitment to generating an equivalent amount of electricity needed to power and heat the building throughout the year, solely from solar panels on its roof and parking canopies. This architectural marvel aligns seamlessly with Winchester's (and the Commonwealth's) Climate Action Plan, marking a crucial milestone in eliminating the use of fossil fuels within our community.

The advantages extend beyond environmental impact; the building promises a cleaner, healthier learning environment for our students. The decision to go all-electric ensures predictable energy costs, thanks to fixed bond rates. For Winchester, a town lacking a robust commercial tax base, this investment in replacing energy costs with solar technology relieves economic pressure on the town budget.

When faced with the pivotal decision of solar system ownership, Town Meeting resoundingly voted to invest up to $3.5 million in owning the solar system. This choice was further bolstered by a 30% direct payment from the federal government under the Inflation Reduction Act, making sustainable energy more accessible and affordable for the community.

In December 2023, the town accepted a $65.7 million bid from Brait Builders, a bid that allowed the inclusion of the solar system in the base project cost. With an additional $300,000 in free cash approved by Town Meeting, there was no need for further long-term borrowing, making this eco-friendly initiative even more financially attractive.

The new Lynch Elementary School will serve as a beacon for Winchester, encompassing not only the town-wide integrated pre-K program and the Lynch Elementary School but also world-class athletic and community facilities. This marks the town's first major step towards a financially sound, net zero planet-friendly facility, setting an example for future projects and positioning Winchester as a leader in sustainable education.

As the construction progresses, we eagerly await the unveiling of Lynch Elementary, a testament to Winchester's dedication to a greener, more sustainable future.