In the beginning…. the first LEED Building at UMD.

UMD Life Sciences went through an almost complete gutting of the building from March 2006 through September 2007.  But this was not a usual remodel; for the first time, UMD was seeking LEED certification for a building project.

Building on an existing building’s footprint and adding space vertically can be a tricky endeavor, but conserving the same footprint of the Life Science building was an important part of its sustainable design. 

Science buildings can be energy hogs, because of the important research and other energy intensive equipment.  An essential feature was the building efficiencies designed to save 29% in annual energy use.  Energy saving features included occupancy sensors in custodial closets, biology student computer labs, restrooms, and storage areas.

Waste management was also a priority; during construction, a whopping 80% of construction waste was diverted from landfills.  These materials, including cardboard, concrete, clay and dirt, metals, and roof rocks, were instead being reused or recycled. 

Water conservation elements help the building reduce water usage by 42% annually.  Irrigation water use was reduced by 78%; non-irrigated yards were planted with native trees, shrubs and turf grass- species that have minimal water needs.  Bathrooms utilize dual-flush toilets, water-aerating faucets, and sensors to further reduce potable water use.

Many of the standards used for the Life Science building are employed across the UMD campus including:  using paper products with 100% recycled content (toilet paper and paper towels), using only vacuum cleaners that meet Carpet and Rug Institute Green Label approved standard, and purchasing Green Seal cleaning supplies and methods.  Floor-cleaning methods in the Life Science building and across campus involve the use of automatic floor scrubbers, which reduce water use by 70% and chemical use by 90%.  (The chemicals used in auto-scrubbers are also Green Seal certified.)  These products and methods are the standard for cleaning across the UMD campus. 

Instead of a business as usual remodeling job, achieving the LEED Silver certification shows the thought and commitment UMD puts into its operations: striving to be more sustainable.

 “UMD Facilities Management is committed to demonstration leadership in protecting the people we serve and employ without causing harm to the environment. To this end, F.M. Custodial Services continues to build and improve our Green Cleaning Program. A majority of chemicals purchased will be Green Seal certified or Green Seal recommended where available.” –Doug Greenwood, 2008.

This is the second installment of a mini-series featuring LEED at UMD. Next week, we will explore the first LEED Gold building on a University of Minnesota campus: Labovtiz School of Business and Economics.