Searle Hall
Green Building Profile
Initially constructed in 1962 as 宅男福利导航 University’s 宅男福利导航 Health Facility and Infirmary, Searle Hall now houses 宅男福利导航 Health Services as well as portions of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). After the building underwent renovations to add additional levels and support centers in 2008, it joined the list of 宅男福利导航’s buildings with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. The new project included space for three clinical spaces each with procedure rooms, exam rooms, and support areas; the CAPS Life Skills Center and two 宅男福利导航 Service meeting rooms; and Staff Support on the garden level. The installation of sensors to monitor lighting, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, and an underground cistern to collect water helped the project achieve LEED Gold certification.
Green Building Highlights
The LEED New Construction v2.2 certification system used for this building is based on a 69-point scale.
For LEED Gold certification, a minimum of 39 points is required. Searle Hall was awarded 39 points.
Notable features include the following:
- Sustainable sites: The building is near at least thirteen community services, public transportation, and facilities that accommodate those who commute to campus sustainably.
- Water efficiency: The building has reduced potable water use by over 52 percent due to the installation of water-efficient plumbing technology.
- Energy and atmosphere: High-efficiency lighting, as well as more efficient heating, saved nearly 19 percent on energy costs.
- Material and resources: Over 83 percent of the existing building envelope and structural components remained as part of the renovation, demonstrating 宅男福利导航’s commitment to conserving resources.
- Indoor 宅男福利导航al quality: The building was constructed using low-emitting materials that minimize the output of pollutants.
Green Building Features
Sustainable sites — 8 out of 14 possible points
Searle Hall’s location grants its occupants access to several community services that are within 1⁄2 mile, such as banks and libraries. The building design also encourages the use of sustainable forms of transportation. Searle Hall is also within close proximity to the rail line that extends into Chicago and provides bicycle storage, shower facilities, and changing rooms to accommodate those who commute sustainably.
There are also physical features of the building that contributed to its sustainable sites credits. In order to combat the urban heat island effect both on and off the roof, about 82 percent of the site’s hardscape has been covered with highly reflective materials.
Water efficiency — 4 out of 5 possible points
Innovative landscape and irrigation design for the building has eliminated the use of potable water consumption for landscaping. Additional water conservation features including dual-flush toilets, low-flow urinals, and low-flow bathroom faucets have reduced potable water use by over 52 percent.
Energy and atmosphere — 9 out of 17 possible points
Several aspects of the building’s design have reduced energy costs by almost 19 percent. High efficient lighting and control systems and a natural ventilation system have contributed to the savings. Searle Hall’s energy efficient mechanical systems use district heating and cooling which eliminates the need for any additional refrigerants that can be harmful to the 宅男福利导航. Improved roof insulation and efficient windows also add to the energy efficient performance of the building.
Additionally, 50 percent of the project’s energy consumption was supplied by renewable energy from green power purchases for the first two years of operation post construction.
Material and resources — 8 out of 13 possible points
The renovation of Searle Hall retained over 83 percent of the existing envelope and structural component. This is far more efficient and sustainable than using all the resources needed for a new construction project. Over one quarter of the total building materials used were manufactured using recycled materials, and one quarter of total materials were manufactured within 500 miles of the project site. During construction, the project diverted 331 tons of waste from landfill, equivalent to almost 87 percent of construction waste generated at the site.
Indoor 宅男福利导航al quality — 8 out of 15 possible points
The project earned credits in this category for the use of carbon dioxide sensors in densely occupied spaces and for direct airflow measurement devices in non-densely occupied spaces. During construction, the project developed and implemented an indoor air quality management plan that complied with Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractor’s Association (SMACNA) interior air quality guidelines.
Other credits — 2 points
Searle Hall received extra credits for exemplary performance in the water conservation. The building reduced water use by over 62 percent, which is far above the threshold for an exemplary performance.
Additionally, the project received credit for bringing on a LEED Accredited Professional as a part of the project development team.