Learn More About the Building

The new Science Building on John Tyler Community College’s Midlothian Campus was awarded a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification, becoming the first in the Virginia Community College System to be certified under the LEED Green Building Rating System. The LEED Green Building Rating System is a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and continued operation of high-performance buildings. It was created by the United States Green Building Council to promote environmentally responsible and healthy places to live and work.

The Science Building houses laboratories, classrooms, the Midlothian Library, a multi-purpose meeting room and faculty offices. The building also incorporates the following features aimed at meeting LEED criteria and generally improving the health and well-being of our students, faculty and staff, as well as the natural environment around us:

Habitat (Sustainable Sites)

This LEED category encourages land conservation, the protection of local ecosystems, and the conservation of natural resources.

Large open spaces allow storm water to be absorbed into the soil and reduce the heat island effect.
Re-vegetated areas provide a habitat for native plant and animal species.
Use of native and adaptable plants requires minimal watering and maintenance from pollution-emitting equipment.
The root systems of native trees and shrubs filter and absorb storm water runoff better than grass, reducing the amount of pollutants carried off site.
The green roof filters and absorbs rainwater to minimize the run-off that goes into the municipal storm system. It also reduces the heat island effect, insulating the building against extreme temperatures.
Parking lots include spaces reserved for fuel-efficient and low-emissions vehicles and those who carpool.
Bike racks, showers and changing rooms encourage the use of bicycles as an alternative mode of transportation.
The lighting is designed to reduce nighttime glare and lessen the impact on the natural nocturnal environment.

Water (Water Efficiency)

The goal of this LEED category is to encourage smarter use of water, inside and out.

Highly efficient plumbing fixtures reduce potable water consumption.
Native plants used in landscaping are adapted to the local environment, minimizing the need for permanent irrigation.

Energy (Energy & Atmosphere)

The goal of this category is to maximize energy efficiency, reduce building operating costs, and encourage the development of renewable energy technologies.

Exterior solar shading devices shield against solar heating glare without obstructing views.
Lighting and building equipment were selected to achieve maximum energy efficiency.
- Chillers used in the mechanical room eliminate the use of oil for the primary cooling equipment.
- Mechanical induction units in the Library control thermal conduction through the exterior windows without increasing energy consumption.
- Combined rooftop air handling units require less outside air and reduce energy consumption.
- Thermostats have been located in every office to maximize comfort and control for occupants.
- Energy Star appliances and equipment consume less energy.
- Large windows provide multiple sources of natural daylight, reducing electrical consumption.
- Energy-efficient glass helps to maintain a tight building envelope, maximizing visibility and minimizing the negative impact of solar heat on the HVAC system.
- Occupancy sensors turn lights on or off depending on whether a space is in use.
- A fluid applied vapor barrier within the exterior construction prevents the unnecessary loss of heating and cooling.
- The entrance canopy overhang provides passive solar shading.
Enhanced building commissioning with measurement and verification of energy systems ensure proper installation and performance of building systems and energy consumption over time.
Non-CFC-containing refrigerants in HVAC equipment minimize ozone depletion and global warming.
To encourage the development of renewable energy technologies, renewable energy credits (RECs) equal to 70% of the annual electrical consumption over a two-year period were purchased.

Materials (Materials & Resources)

This category encourages the reduction of waste and the increased use of recycled, regional and rapidly renewable building materials.

Dedicated recycling centers are found throughout the building.
24% of building materials are from recycled content when measured in cost.
- Drywall includes high levels of recycled content.
- Carpet has high percentages of recycled content.
- Fly ash, a byproduct of coal burning, used in the concrete mixture provides an abundant source of recycled content.
Over 92%, or 1,042 tons, of the construction waste generated during the project was diverted from landfills and sent to recycling centers.
11% of construction materials were extracted, processed and manufactured within 500 miles of campus.

Health (Indoor Environmental Quality)

The goal of this category is to improve indoor air quality, reduce indoor contaminants, and provide outdoor views and a comfortable environment for those working inside.

Walk-off mats at entrances serve to control pollutants brought in by foot traffic, and high-efficiency air filters reduce particulates and chemical pollutants.
The use of low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint, carpet, adhesives, sealants and other building materials improves air quality.
Custom millwork and wood doors contain no added urea formaldehyde, a chemical commonly found in wood products that can irritate the eyes and throat.
Most occupied spaces have access to natural daylight, providing a stimulating teaching and learning environment.
Thermostats have been located in every office to maximize comfort and control for occupants, and occupancy sensors turn lights on or off depending on whether a space is in use.
The building is a smoke-free environment. The no-smoking policy extends 25 feet from the exterior doors and outside air intakes.
Large windows throughout the building provide views of campus for occupants.
Motorized light filtering sunshades help control heat and glare from the sun without compromising natural daylight.

Innovation

This category encourages the use of new and innovative technologies and strategies to improve a building’s performance beyond what is required by other LEED categories.

A green housekeeping program has been established to control the chemical pollutants used in the building.
An integrated pest management program has been developed to minimize toxic chemicals indoors and in the landscape.
A green education program that includes building tours and community partnerships has been developed.
LEED-accredited professionals administered this building project.
The project team reduced paper consumption during construction by going “paperless.”