Construction is officially underway on a new clean energy facility on the Harley School Campus.
The Chesonis Commons will be the first facility in the country where students K - 12 will learn about renewable energy and the responsible use of it.
The new green building will house new classrooms dedicated to science and three new programs: The Briggs Center for Civic Engagement, Center for Mindfulness and Empathy Education and a state-of-the-art Science Center.
Former PAETEC CEO Arunas Chesonis donated $1 million toward the $3 million project.
"Our world is going to be a different place 100 years from now," Chesonis says. "The sooner that the kids and the parents can learn about that and not just teach in their own school with their colleagues in the city and across the country, I think it's going to give us a head start."
Chenois says the effort has been about 2 years in the making.
The 14,000 square foot center is being called a "living building" because it will generate its own energy. The building is heated and cooled by using water and carbon dioxide in its greenhouse. Students are responsible for managing and operating the facility.
The new facility is expected to be completed by the middle of August, just in time for the start of the new school year.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Chesonis Commons was Monday.