Building Sustainability Features

LEED Gold CertificationThe Information Technology Center has been awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification, as defined under LEED for New Construction and Major Renovation Version 2.2 by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC.) An interactive design case study slideshow was developed to document many of the sustainable strategies incorporated in the building design.

Highlighted features include:

  • A solar control system (shading system) and catwalk helps to control direct sunlight while allowing cool, indirect daylight penetration especially on East and South facing exposures. This strategy reduces the cooling loads and allows for effective daylighting. Incorporating occupancy sensors and workstation task lights further reduces excessive use of electrical lighting.
  • Optimizing energy performance through the use of active chilled beams to provide efficient thermal comfort while promote occupant health by reducing re-circulated contaminants over traditional HVAC systems.
  • Promoting the health and reducing absenteeism were desirable goals in selecting building products with minimal or no off-gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOC.) Promoting employee healthy lifestyle by providing bicycle racks and showers within the building. Many staff often use stairs instead of elevators when travel within the building to get more exercise.
  • Use of low-flow water fixtures and drought-tolerant native landscaping in the building's green roofs and surrounding area to conserve potable water resources. Management of storm water run off to prevent flooding and pollution of regulated bodies of water (streams, ocean, and aquifer) is achieved by using a grass lined swale, a hydrodynamic seperator and permeable paving around the building.
  • Colocation and hosting of virtual servers services are available in the Data Center to help free up space and save on energy costs while improving security and enhancing operational efficiencies for all University Departments.
  • Education for the building occupants and visitors about the sustainable design strategies is accomplished through this website, powerpoint presentations in the building lobby, building guided tours and printed materials such as ITC Bldg LEED Dashboard Brochure.
  • Behavior changing awareness about sustainable strategies for building occupants and the general public is also facilitated through a Web-Based Building Dashboard which displays real-time information on energy and water consumption, temperature and humidity readings. The intent behind the dashboard is to promote occupant changes in behavior by providing immediate feedback about impact on their energy consumption actions.