LEED Gold Certification for 2 Kent State Science & Tech Buildings
Jan 12, 2017
Two Kent State University science and technology buildings have achieved LEED-Gold certification: the Stark Science and Nursing Building and the Aeronautics and Technology Building.
Stark Science and Nursing Building
The new Science and Nursing building features science and nursing labs, computer labs, offices, and a student lounge – plus open spaces and lots of daylight.
KE services: Mechanical & Electrical Design
LEED version: LEED BD+C: New Construction v3 - LEED 2009
Building Size: 45,600 SF
Project cost: $15 million
Energy savings: Projected 32.7% energy consumption savings
Why it works: Classrooms and labs feature energy-efficient lighting integrated with vacancy sensing and daylight harvesting equipment. KSU also selected high-efficiency HVAC equipment, such as high-efficiency condensing boilers, a dedicated heat recovery chiller, and air handling systems with airflow monitoring and unoccupied controls. Other sustainable design features include a green roof, bioretention, and a rain garden.
Aeronautics and Technology Building
KSU’s Aeronautics and Technology building provides space for its College of Applied Engineering, Sustainability, and Technology. Here, students work in a variety of high-tech labs, including aeronautics teaching and control; materials and processes labs; digital communications; and sustainable design.
KE services: Mechanical, Electrical, & Technology Design
LEED version: LEED BD+C: New Construction v3 - LEED 2009
Building Size: 55,000 SF
Project cost: $17.7 million
Energy savings: Projected 17.5% energy consumption savings
Why it works: Interior lighting is a mix of fluorescent and LED, and its power density is 55% of ASHRAE 90.1-2007. The building, which is served by the campus central plant, incorporates a VAV air distribution system. Other sustainable features include high-efficiency glazing, a highly efficient building envelope, and low-flow plumbing fixtures providing a projected 42% water savings.
About LEED
LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) is a program of the U.S. Green Building Council that promotes sustainable building design. Through the LEED program, buildings are evaluated on measures such as energy-efficient building systems, water efficiency, sustainable site strategies, and sustainable building materials. A building can be awarded one of four certification levels: Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum (the highest).
Karpinski Engineering’s contributions to a building’s LEED certification typically impact its energy and water use – through efficient electrical, lighting, HVAC, and plumbing design.