RIT on TV News: LEED Certification
YNN takes viewers inside Rochester Institute of Technology’s new University Services Center building to report on its recent certification as LEED Platinum.
Rochester Institute of Technology is once again at the forefront of innovationThe new University Services Center has earned the highest sustainability rating from the U.S Green Building Council its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating is platinum.
The first thing you will notice about the Student Innovation Center is a lot of glass. It is part of the $15 million University Services Center.
New technology means the glass does more than just allow a nice view.
“We’re really able now to open up the brick walls and put in more glass because we could now block the ultraviolet light and reduce the heat gain to a manageable amount and bring all the day light in,” said Dirk Schneider, Chaintreuil Jensen Stark Architects.
The new center is user-friendly, energy-efficient and among only about 59 buildings worldwide with LEED Platinum certification, but the high rating was not in the original plans.
“The goal was LEED Silver, but as we talked and collaborated we all looked at each other and said we can achieve platinum,” Schneider said.
For a building to achieve LEED Platinum status, it must meet the following requirements:
* 48.6 percent energy cost reduction over industry standards for heating and cooling efficiency
* 43 percent reduction in water usage over national requirements
* 35 percent of the buildings electricity is supplied from renewable sources, including on-site solar panels
* 33 percent recycled content of materials
* Materials and products necessary for the project must be from within a 500-mile radius.
It didn’t cost RIT any more money to build the building this way.
“It’s getting easier for architects and engineers to select products that are more sustainable in nature,” said Tammy Schickler, Sustainable Performance Consulting. “Ten years ago, it was hard… I think it’s penetrated the industry and whether you’re getting a certification or not, building sustainable helps the environment and helps future generations so it’s the right thing to do. It does take more effort, but it’s not a drag to do it because you know in the long run the college will really gain from it.”
RIT intends to remain in the lead when it comes to sustainability. Another LEED Platinum building is in the works.
Duration : 0:2:48
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