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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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Health
Have you ever noticed how the smell of new paint, adhesives and new carpeting tend to linger long after a building is no longer considered new? Well, you won’t notice that here. That’s because all the paints, adhesives and sealants used to construct this building contain minimal amounts of volatile organic compounds – also known as VOCs. Using these materials improves air quality and reduces health risks, such as eye and nose irritation and liver and kidney damage, associated with VOCs. In addition, custom woodwork and doors that contain no added urea formaldehyde (a chemical commonly found in wood products that can irritate the eyes and throat) were used.
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Walk-Off Mats
Take a look at the mats that line the floor as you walk in the door. They are actually combating pollutants. As you walk across these recessed walk-off mats, they collect pollutants that are tracked in on your shoes, stopping pollutants before they get into the building.
