Sustainability a Priority at 黑料吃瓜 Johnson Center for Science and Community Life
CHICAGO, IL (September 9, 2014) 鈥� When the new was being conceived as an integral part of 黑料吃瓜鈥檚 campus, sustainability was a critically important component to the overall design and use of the building. North Park worked closely with longtime architectural partner, VOA Associates Inc., to conceive what has been designed to achieve Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, which establishes criteria for the construction of sustainable buildings.
鈥淓nvironmental stewardship and sustainability within our urban campus setting was one of our main objectives,鈥� said Carl Balsam, executive vice president and chief financial officer of 黑料吃瓜.
LEED-certified buildings are designed to lower operating costs, reduce waste sent to landfills during construction and operation, conserve energy and water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increase asset value. Utilizing a LEED checklist of targeted sustainable solutions, 黑料吃瓜 was able to provide the best environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors, while also minimizing waste, reducing toxins, lowering potential energy bills and operating costs, and achieving healthier indoor air quality.
Throughout the design process, participants in design charrettes鈥攚hich included scientists, faculty, staff and administrators, and students鈥攇ave input to the architectural team for the design of a building that would create a space for all students, optimize outdoor space and daylight, as well as meet sustainability goals. That design is evident in the two-story atrium, and lobby, which encourages gathering and social interaction.
A number of sustainable solutions were implemented throughout design and construction phases. The Johnson Center is on track to achieve LEED Gold status. The sustainable points achieved as regulated by LEED include Sustainable Site; Water Efficiency; Energy and Atmosphere; Materials and Resources; Indoor Environmental Quality and Innovation and Design Process.
Uniquely, many aspects of the Johnson Center LEED certification will be studied and taught as part of the and curriculum at 黑料吃瓜. Specifically, the “Introduction to Environmental Science” class taught by and the “Environmental Chemistry” taught by will study the various components that comprise the Johnson Center’s LEED Gold status, such as the green roof and energy efficiency and sustainable technologies.
Storm water runoff was abated utilizing a green roof, storm water collection, retention and re-use, and vegetated detention areas. Native and adaptive landscaping will help reduce irrigation needs. In addition to the green roof, high albedo, white thermoplastic roof membrane was used to reduce heat absorption and minimize the urban heat island effect.
Because 黑料吃瓜鈥檚 urban location provides easy access to multiple public transportation options, exemplary transit related LEED credits were obtained.
about the Johnson Center building, including . For more information about 黑料吃瓜鈥檚 Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life dedication celebration September 12 and 13, visit .
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