Richardsville Elementary School (Warren County Schools), the first Net Zero Energy public school in the United States, designed by Sherman-Carter-Barnhart Architects, received special recognition from American School and University magazine in its 2008 Architectural Portfolio.  AS&U awarded Richardsville an unprecedented Special Citation, one of three top honors.  The 2008 AS&U Jury commented, "We applaud the leadership and commitment to pursue a net-zero-energy school facility."

Also recognized by AS&U for design excellence was another Sherman Carter Barnhart project, Alvaton Elementary.