Green building on college campuses is the purposeful construction of buildings on college campuses that decreases resource usage in both the building process and also the future use of the building. The goal is to reduce emissions, energy use, and water use, while creating an atmosphere where students can be healthy and learn.
Universities across the country are building to green standards set forth by the USGBC, United States Green Building Council. The USGBC is a non-profit organization that promotes sustainability in how buildings are designed and built. This organization created the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, which is a certification process that provides verification that a building is environmentally sustainable. In the United States, commercial and residential buildings account for 70 percent of the electricity use and over 38 percent of emissions. Because of these huge statistics regarding resource usage and emissions, the room for more efficient building practices is dramatic. Since college campuses are where the world's future leaders are being taught, colleges are choosing to construct new buildings to green standards in order to promote environmental stewardship to their students. Colleges across the United States have taken leading roles in the construction of green building in order to reduce resource consumption, save money in the long run, and instill the importance on environmental sustainability on their students. It is a better way to motivate new generation to live a sustainable life.
Benefits of Green Building on Campuses Green buildings on college campuses provide benefits to the campus in several different ways. Campuses can benefit from the short and long-term economic benefits. Initially, federal and state governments will sometimes provide tax incentives for buildings constructed that surpass the standards set by the government. There are also long term savings. According to the USGBC, with an upfront investment of 2% in green building design, the resulting life savings is 20% of the total construction costs. With many universities lacking funding, this kind of savings could dramatically help the yearly budget. Along with this increase in monetary savings, green building and architecture has been proven to make the occupants more productive. Studies have shown a link between improved lighting design and a 27% reduction in the incidence of headaches. Also, students with the most daylighting in their classrooms progressed 20% faster on math tests and 26% faster on reading tests in one year than those with less daylighting. Both of these studies show that better lighting conditions, which are one of the main features of green buildings, can increase the productivity of its occupants. Students at colleges where green buildings are being used will benefit by increasing their potential to gain knowledge. The last important benefit of green buildings on college campuses is having the university seen as environmentally sustainable. Students are becoming increasingly aware of the issues the Earth faces with carbon emissions and increased consumption. These students want to attend universities that are striving to reduce their environmental impact. Universities participating in sustainable initiatives, like constructing green buildings, will attract more highly qualified students. Green buildings on campuses benefit both the school as well as the students.
LEED Rating System Many institutions in the United States are administering the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System. The development of the LEED Rating System has been nationally recognized as the leading method to construct green buildings. The rating system incorporates the design, construction, and maintenance of the building. LEED promotes a cradle-to-cradle approach in regards to construction and design materials. The rating system is composed of six sections: Site Planning, Water Management, Energy Management, Material Use, Indoor air quality, and the Innovation & Design Process. Each section is composed of credits and points, which ultimately determine how "green" the building is constructed, designed, and maintained.
LEED Certification Levels LEED has four different levels of certification. All depending on how many credits and points were obtained through the LEED Rating System. There are 100 possible base points plus an additional 6 points for Innovation in Design and 4 points for Regional Priority.
Buildings can qualify for 4 types of certification: Certified: 40-49 Points Silver: 50-59 Points Gold: 60-79 Points Platinum: 80 points and above
LEED - NC Application Guide for Multiple Buildings and On-Campus Building Projects (AGMBC) The USGBC has issued an application guide for administration of LEED Rating System on college, corporate, or government installations that include multiple buildings. This application is designed for projects where several buildings will be constructed at once, in phases, or a single building is constructed in a setting of existing buildings with common ownership. Note, however, that the AGMBC applies to LEED Rating System Versions 2.1 and 2.2. The methods described still apply to new construction on campuses.
Issues with AGMBC The sustainable sites category is the most challenging category, and it is the most detailed section in the AGMBC. Campus settings sometimes have established property lines through campus, but share a common infrastructure between areas. (Examples include street lighting may encroach on another building, storm water routes may go into same retention areas) One overall sign for LEED certification, may not appeal to college trying to market LEED dedication.
Multi-Building Certification Methods Certifying a new building within a setting of existing buildings that are considered a campus, i.e. there is one owner or common property management and control. Use of a retention pond not on "site" but on campus, would still qualify for LEED credit. Certifying a group of new buildings as a package where the entire building set will be rated as a package and only one rating received. These buildings may constitute the entire campus or be a subset of an existing campus. Certifying new buildings where each new building is constructed to a set of standards but will receive an independent rating based on achievement of credits beyond the standards specific to that building. These buildings may constitute the entire campus or be subset of an existing campus.
Required LEED Levels for Select Colleges These are 10 colleges all around the US determined to build for a sustainable future. Each college outlines their commitment in Campus Sustainability Initiatives and Mission statements. Brown University - Requires a minimum of all new construction be at least "Silver" California Polytechnic State University - Requires a minimum of all new construction be at least "Certified." Georgia Institute of Technology - Requires a minimum of all new construction be at least "Certified." Harvard University - Requires a minimum of all new construction be at least "Silver." Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Requires a minimum of all new construction be at least "Silver." Northwestern University - Requires a minimum of all new construction be at least "Certified." Princeton University - Requires a minimum of all new construction be at least "Silver." University of Florida - Requires a minimum of all new construction be at least "Gold." University of North Texas - Requires a minimum of all new construction be at least "Silver." University of Oregon - Requires a minimum of all new construction be at least "Certified." University of Vermont - Requires a minimum of all new construction be at least "Silver." University of Florida is only college committed to a minimum of LEED "Gold" Certification
Campus Green Building Techniques The following methods are becoming more prevalent on campuses around the nation. Because of the large scale of college campuses, the impact of these methods are truly praise for energy savings and enhanced occupants' comfort. Green roofs - Living, vegetative roofing alternatives; a solution to the heat island effect associated with buildings. Low-VOC paints - Drastically limits any odorous, harmful, or irritating emissions and enhance the occupants' comfort. Compact fluorescent bulbs - Uses less energy and give off less heat; will save energy used to cool the building. Using recycled content Buying and using local materials - Local materials have lower transportation costs because of the lower amount of energy needed to move materials. Tree preservation and relocation Low flow plumbing fixtures - Uses less water per flush. Alternative transportation - Campuses use bike transportation, rapid bus transit, and safe pedestrian walkways. Zipcar is also becoming popular on many college campuses.
Sustainable Materials used in Green Building The following are some examples of sustainable products used in green building. These materials are less harmful to the environment. Now-a-days many materials have a "green" substitute.
Division 3: Concrete PS 4000 Flat Wall Form: Improved tongue-and-groove design simplifies installation on the job and minimizes the problems associated with concrete spillage at the top of the wall. The unique design provides strength, fire resistance, and dimensional stability Provides you with a superior construction technology that delivers cost-effect, high-performance structures that are safer, quieter, comfortable, energy efficient, and more structurally secure and environmentally responsible building system available on the market today. Fly Ash Because fly ash use displaces Portland cement use, it also reduces the need for cement production, which is a major energy user and a leading source of "greenhouse gas" emissions. Better performance without increase in cost. It can replace up to 30% by mass of Portland cement, and can add to the concrete's final strength and increase its chemical resistance and durability.
Division 4: Masonry Cavclear Masonry Mat A fluid-conducting, non-absorbent polymer mesh made from 100% recycled plastic that is installed full-height in the airspace. It prevents mortar from bridging the airspace and results in a continuous area for drainage and ventilation. Ensures water management. Reduces building's life-cycle costs. Sealtech Block Certified "Green" with 10% recycled high-strength plastic powder. Non-porous surface means decreased permeability, making it water-resistant. Stronger than standard concrete block yet 10% lighter, translating into reduced shipping and labor costs.
Division 5: Metals Maze nails Made from recycled steel. The scrap steel generated while making nail heads goes right back to the steel mill for re-melting. Nails are galvanized with a dual Zinc coating for durability assurance. Cold-formed metal framing Lightweight, and dimensionally stable. Contains 20-25% recycled material (10-15% post-consumer content, though some manufactures have in excess of 90% of recycled content.) Steel studs can even be recycled at end of building's life.
Division 6: Woods, Plastics, and Composites
Ecosurfaces Made from recycled tires. Slip-resistant. Weather resistant, able to withstand extreme temperatures Reclaimed lumber If not reused, wood would be burned or chipped Old growth forests are protected Durable and aesthetically pleasing. The wood has become stabilized over time, which prevents changes due to humidity. Engineered wood, Gluecam Provide a significant environmental advantage over solid wood by using fast-growing, small diameter trees effectively. Plastic lumber Makes use of recycled plastic and is an effective replacement for pressure-treated lumber, which also protects timber resources. Will not rot, absorb water, splinter, or crack Resistant to oil, salt, and chemicals