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Large Windows
When you look around, you can’t help but feel that nature is within arm’s length. Large windows throughout the building give you that sense. They not only connect the people inside to the beauty of the campus grounds, they also perform numerous vital functions. They allow natural light to stream in, minimizing the need for artificial lighting and reducing energy consumption. The highly reflective energy-efficient glass plays another role in reducing energy use by cutting down on the impact the sun’s heat has on the building’s cooling systems. And for those inside, if the light gets to be too bright, motorized light-filtering sunshades are provided.
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Green Roof
This building’s roof isn’t just eco-friendly; it is literally green. That’s because plants cover over 50% of the roof, and these plants play a critical role in improving the building’s energy efficiency. The plants insulate against extreme outside temperatures and even help reduce the energy used by our rooftop mechanical units by cooling the air that comes into the building. These plants, all native to our area, also filter and absorb rainwater. Those areas not covered with plant life are a light color, so as to reduce the heat island effect. What is the heat island effect? It’s what happens when temperatures in developed areas are hotter than those in rural areas. These temperature variations can lead to increased energy consumption, more air pollution, and heat-related illnesses.
If you are ever in the building and want to know what a green roof looks like, take a peak at canopies just outside the windows on the third floor sitting area and in the open, glass stairwell. -
Saving Energy in Comfort
Energy-saving technology allows this building to adjust to how it’s used. Thermostats are located in all the offices, so changes can be made to heating and cooling in one area without impacting the entire building. Occupancy sensors turn lights on and off, depending on whether the space is being used, preventing lights from being left on in empty rooms. These energy-reducing steps, plus many others taken in the building, will lead to an overall energy cost reduction of 56% when compared to a similar, standard building.
