Being Green

Working toward LEED Gold certification

We contacted the architects for the SPEA addition and they, along with the University Director of Sustainability William M. Brown, provided this information on how the SPEA expansion and renovation is working to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.

Here are the talking points they have provided regarding the sustainable design goals of our building project:

• The site is being developed to maximize open space and control the quantity of storm water runoff.
• Reflective surfaces on the site and roof will mitigate the urban heat island effect.
• No potable water will be used for irrigation and water-saving fixtures will reduce water use in the building by 35% compared to industry average.
• Energy use will be 18% below average for a building of this type.
• Enhanced commissioning will assure that the building is constructed to function as it was designed.
• Renewable energy credits will be purchased to offset 100% of the building’s energy use for at least the first two years of operation.
• More than 75% of construction and demolition waste will be diverted from the landfill.
• At least 20% of the materials used in the building will be recycled content and extracted, processed and manufactured within the region.
• Most of the wood used in the project will be FSC certified.
• Outdoor air delivery will be monitored. There is an indoor air quality management plan in place during construction.
• Low-emitting materials, including adhesives and sealants, paints and coatings, carpet, and composite wood products have been specified.
• Thermal comfort has been designed into the project and more than 75% of the spaces will be day lit.
• Maintenance will adhere to a green housekeeping policy to assure continuing indoor air quality after occupation. 
• The roof structure is over-sized in order to accommodate a potential future installation of solar panels.
• The SPEA site is urban infill, not a greenfield site. It has the density and community connectivity and existing infrastructure in place to make for walkable access.
• Public transportation access is excellent, reducing the need for single occupancy vehicles.
• Preferred parking will be provided for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles. No parking spaces will be added, encouraging occupants to seek alternative and more active forms of transportation. 

These trees, on the SPEA Plaza, have been carefully boxed to be transplanted at another location.