Pepperell High is drawing recognition for breaking new ground in test results.  These tests are not paper and pencil exams, but rather an examination of the new school's indoor air quality.  Researchers from the Georgia Tech Research Institute have taken air quality samples in the new school and have found astounding results.  The new Pepperell facility has some of the best indoor air quality recorded in a school facility.  "The results were so impressive that Georgia Tech researchers came back to test again because they could not believe the readings that were recorded," stated Jack Gresham, executive director of facilities for Floyd County Schools. 

According to an article being written for the May edition of the ASHRAE Journal ( American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers), Pepperell High School's indoor air quality goes to the top of the class.  The article states, "results of the total volatile organic compound (TVOC) testing showed the air quality in the school to be excellent, averaging less than 200ug/m3, better than the best of those reported on in the 2003 ASHRAE Journal article."  The 2003 article entitled "Report Card on Humidity Control" outlined the problems that schools face with indoor air quality and reported the findings of a Department of Energy study of indoor air quality in schools.  The May article was written by John Fischer, Kirk Mescher PE, LEED AP, Ben Elkin, PE and Stephen M McCune, AIA, NCARB.  Fischer said, "The Pepperell High air quality results are some of the best ever analyzed.  The quality of inside air was virtually as good as the outside air - that is as good as you can get."   

The data validates the school systems decision to incorporate new designs in environmentally friendly heating and air conditioning systems into plans for the new Pepperell High School .  Not only is the school now recognized as one of the best for indoor air quality but the new HVAC system design is also resulting in major long term savings in energy costs, improved comfort and function.  The ASHRAE article also details a comparison study of energy use between the new Pepperell High facility and another comparable school in the area.  The data showed that the Pepperell facility used less than half the energy required of the comparison school's heating and air system.  At peak cooling demand, the Pepperell facility averaged 371 KW used by the heating and air units compared to 898 KW used by the comparison school.  

The ultimate goal is to provide a school atmosphere that will enhance the ability of children to learn. Adequate outside air intake has been shown to increase accuracy in task requiring concentration. Also, better humidity control has been shown to reduce illness from germs and viruses which would positively impact student and teacher attendance. When students and teachers are in the classroom, more effective teaching and learning is the result. "The bottom line is to have the most efficient learning environment possible," stated Kelly Henson, superintendent of Floyd County Schools.

Floyd County Schools has a long history of energy conservation efforts. The school system was one of the first in the country to have a system-wide recycling program, as well as, an energy management program. Jack Gresham has seen the difference in dollars and cents. He said, "When I went to work for the school system we had 1.2 million square feet of space and an energy budget of $3 million. Since that time we have almost doubled our square footage but our energy budget is still $3 million."

Pepperell High's new two story facility opened at the beginning of the 2006-2007 school year.  The new facility in Lindale was a part of the 2003 SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) past by voters in the community.