Baltimore isn’t just building schools—it’s reshaping what education and sustainability can look like for the 21st century. At Holabird Academy and Graceland Park, two net-zero energy public schools, the future is already in session. Solar panels line the roofs, geothermal wells lie beneath the ballfields, and energy-efficient features keep these buildings running entirely on renewable power. But while these schools are a win for the planet, the real story is how they’re transforming the lives of everyone who steps inside—students, teachers, administrators, and the surrounding community.

Stephanie Novak Pappas, the award-winning Principal of Holabird Academy, joins the conversation to talk about how this cutting-edge building has profoundly impacted the school’s learning environment. We also speak with Amy Upton, Director of Environmental Design and Principal at Grimm & Parker Architects, the visionary behind the Holabird project. Amy walks us through the grit, innovation, and collaboration it took to bring this game-changing space to life, on time and under budget.

The takeaway? Buildings designed with low environmental impact don’t just reduce carbon—they elevate communities, maybe even cities, pushing them toward a future that’s not just greener but smarter, brighter, and better for everyone.

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Guests: Stephanie Novak Pappas and Amy Upton

School: Holabird Academy

Company: Grimm + Parker Architects (see the Holabird project)

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