The recently inescapable presence of construction on Grounds may, at first glance, seem threatening to the University's celebrated landscape. Fortunately, with every new construction endeavor, the University enlists a myriad of people and resources dedicated to preserving environmental sustainability throughout the University community.
"It is always a balance," said Andrew Greene, sustainability planner for the Office of the Architect. Greene added that although University growth always necessitates new construction projects, planners consider several factors to make the projects as sustainable as possible. Certain building sites may be naturally blocked from the wind, for example, and require less energy to heat during the cold months. On the other hand, if a new building site is too far from Central Grounds, the impact on transportation could offset the potential heating benefits.
The University is committed to striking this delicate balance to make its buildings environmentally sustainable. In 2007 the Board of Visitors determined all new buildings must become nationally certified through Leadership in Environmental Energy and Design, Greene said. The certification involves what he called an expensive checklist of criteria for environmental sustainability, including location, indoor air quality and energy. LEED certification also includes an audit of construction and design outcomes by the US Green Building Council, which determines whether projects will be certified and at what level - Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum, University Architect David Neuman said in an e-mail.
"This audit covers energy and water conservation, site sustainability, storm water management, recycled content of building materials [and] construction waste recycling," Neuman said. "To date all of our projects have been enrolled, expected to be certified and many will attain either Silver or Gold ranking."
University Landscape Architect Mary Hughes noted the new addition to the Printing and Copying Center is now LEED certified, and the South Lawn is expected to be certified as well.
On the College of Arts & Sciences' website, Neuman delivers a video presentation outlining the ways in which the South Lawn project was built to minimize disturbance of the natural environment. Among the innovative methods was constructing the two main wings facing directly East and West to take advantage of solar energy. In addition, the building site uses a stream for stormwater management, and the buildings are equipped with lights that automatically turn on and off as people enter and leave rooms.
Landscape design plays an even greater role in promoting sustainability. Although some trees must be cut down to facilitate construction, the University makes every effort to replace lost trees and ground cover, Hughes said.
"There is also a replacement program for trees lost in the hard snows of last winter and to some diseases," Hughes added.
In its "Guidelines for Sustainable Buildings and Environmental Design," the Office of the Architect has outlined many other strategies and objectives that will help the University become LEED-compliant. These methods include incorporating geothermal energy and solar heating, taking advantage of natural ventilation and light, and using recycled materials.
As the University continues to expand, those concerned for the environment can rest assured the University is moving forward with high ecological standards in mind.
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