Bethel School District Cascade Middle School

Building Tight, Building Smart

Bethel School District’s Cascade Middle School replacement project created a high-performing, student-centered learning environment with exceptional envelope and mechanical efficiency. Systems West Engineers served as the commissioning authority, working with RBA Architecture, Skanska, and QED.

Precision in Every Inch

SWE’s team provided comprehensive commissioning across HVAC, lighting controls, and building envelope. During construction, SWE and QED collaborated closely on envelope review and testing, conducting rigorous positive and negative pressure testing that produced some of the lowest air leakage values SWE has ever verified.
The building achieved 0.117 CFM/SF under positive pressure and 0.083 CFM/SF under negative pressure, far exceeding the project requirement of 0.40 CFM/SF. This performance reflects exceptional design detailing by RBA, contractor diligence during construction, and SWE’s continuous review and testing oversight.

Measured Success, Lasting Impact

Building enclosure performance is one of the most critical and often overlooked factors in a school’s long-term success. A tight, well-commissioned envelope saves energy and improves indoor air quality, comfort, and acoustics, creating a better environment for learning. SWE’s approach at Cascade ensured that the District’s investment translates to decades of durability and efficiency.
The verified tight envelope performance directly supports energy savings, improved comfort, and long-term durability. SWE’s involvement from design through occupancy ensured the mechanical and control systems performed as designed, aligning with the District’s sustainability goals.

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