A sign adjacent to the Ernest A. Koury Sr. Business Center details features of the building that will conserve resources and protect the environment. Those strategies in design, construction and operation of the facility include the following:
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
· Natural light in the offices decreases the need for artificial lighting.
· Occupancy monitors reduce the energy consumed when spaces are not in use.
· Energy efficient lighting fixtures diminish the amount of energy needed for lighting.
· The Heating and Air Conditioning system incorporates environmental controls to conserve energy.
· Appliances installed in the building comply with EPA’s Energy Star Program.
· The building’s electrical system is designed to meet or exceed the NC State Energy Code.
· Classrooms and offices have adjustable lighting levels.
MATERIALS AND RESOURCES
· The following materials are made of recyclable material in whole or part:
·· gypsum board (100% of recycled material).
·· ceiling tile (50% of recycled material).
·· insulation (35% of recycled material).
·· steel (30% recycled material).
· The bricks are manufactured in NC to foster local business and reduce the amount of fuel required to transport the material to the site.
· The concrete in this building is produced locally.
· The bricks, concrete, and cast stone are durable materials that conserve natural resources because they do
not require constant maintenance or replacement.
· Recycling centers are included in the plan of the building to encourage ongoing recycling by the users.
WATER CONSUMPTION
· The landscaping will be irrigated with water from the lakes on campus instead of the town’s drinkable water.
· Plants chosen for the project are hardy and natural which reduce the amount of water needed for irrigation.
· Water saving devices on the plumbing fixtures reduce the amount of water consumed by users of the facility.
INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
· The air conditioning system brings in outdoor air to provide continuous fresh air.
· During construction, the air conditioning equipment is protected to prevent contamination of the system.
· To provide a healthier indoor environment, the paints selected for this building do not contain volatile organic compounds (VOC’s).
· The flooring and flooring adhesives do not contain chemicals that harm the environment.
· The building will be cleaned with environmentally compliant products.
· The entrance door mats remove dust and dirt from shoes.
· Individuals can control their work environment conditions including light, temperature, and airflow.
· Operable windows allow users to access fresh air.
· Natural light and views to the exterior are provided in the offices.
· Mechanical equipment in the attic isolates noise away from building occupants.
SITE STEWARDSHIP
· The landscape design includes sidewalks that connect to existing pedestrian pathways to encourage walking.
· Stormwater is collected before it leaves the site to protect the surrounding natural systems.
· This site is selected to minimize the impact on natural resources.
· Best Management Practices are incorporated into the site design to limit surface erosion.
· Bike racks will be provided to promote alternative means of transportation.
· This building is sited along the university’s bus line to reduce the use of single occupancy vehicles.
· The number of parking spaces are limited to zoning requirements to save the surrounding natural areas.
· As a multistory building, the project minimizes the amount of green space needed to construct a project this size.
· The building, colonnade, and landscaping will shade the site and reduce the heat gain.
· The flat roof is white and will reflect heat away from the building.
· Site lighting fixtures point downward to eliminate light pollution.