Worcester State College’s Historic Administration Building, which was renovated last year, has been awarded LEED Gold Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.
“This honor, combined with the solar panel installation project, recycling efforts and many other sustainability projects demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency,” said Worcester State College President Janelle Ashley.
The renovated building opened in fall, 2009 and is achieving a 30 percent savings in energy, when compared to the Massachusetts Building Energy Code and reduced water usage by 20 percent. “Worcester State College is committed to meeting the goals set forth in the Governor’s Executive Order 484, the Lead by Example program,” said Ashley.
Signed in April 2007 by Governor Deval Patrick, the Executive Order establishes higher energy efficiency standards in the operation of state buildings, setting short-term goals to advance clean energy and efficiency, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. In addition, the Leading by Example Program promotes sustainability activities within state government including waste reduction, water conservation, green buildings, alternative fuels, efficient transportation and recycling.
LEED is a third party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council in 2000, LEED serves as a tool for buildings of all types and sizes. The certification process is a point based system with LEED levels of certified, silver, gold and platinum.
The renovation project, completed in partnership with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management, was designed by the architectural firm MDS/ Miller Dyer Spears and constructed by W.T. Rich Company, Inc.
Renovation of the 63,000 square foot building was designed to centralize administrative and student services that were previously scattered around campus. The project incorporated many sustainable design practices including
- Over 75 percent of all construction, demolition and land clearing debris was recycled
- a white heat reflectant roof material was installed throughout
- much larger operable replacement windows for increased daylight, fresh air and views,
- a high efficiency condensing boiler plant,
- low flow toilet fixtures,
- reduction of paving by converting a parking lot to a new green plaza with minimal drip irrigation,
- bicycle storage and preferred parking spaces for fuel efficient vehicles
- passive shading of the building and new plaza with newly planted trees,
- low VOC products throughout the interior,
- occupancy sensors,
- highly efficient light fixtures, and
- programmable digital lighting controls allowing the project to be 30% more energy efficient than what is required by Massachusetts code.
Worcester State College has joined with more than 250 institutions nationwide that have pledged to become climate neutral by reducing greenhouse gas emissions on campus and promoting scholarship and research. President Ashley has signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment.