The total number of LEED-certified structures at Elon jumps to 14 with gold certification of four houses at the Station at Mill Point.
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Four residential buildings in Elon University’s Station at Mill Point community have achieved LEED for Homes Gold certification, a distinction that comes one month after the residential complex for upperclassmen received received LEED Silver certification for its commons facility.
The Station contains four types of residential buildings, and one of each type went through the formal LEED for Homes certification process. The remaining 20 residential buildings were designed and constructed in the same manner.
Created by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED, which is short for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is an internationally recognized standard for sustainable design and construction. A LEED rating system exists for different project types, including new construction and major renovations, existing buildings, retails spaces and homes. The LEED for Homes rating system consists of the following categories: innovation and design process, location and linkages, sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and awareness and education.
The residences have a number of notable sustainable design features. The buildings meet the Energy Star for Homes requirements and are 27 percent more energy efficient than conventional homes. Framing was planned specifically to reduce waste. This and other waste diversion efforts resulted in a landfill diversion rate of 87 percent for construction waste.
Outside the homes, outdoor space exists for residents to enjoy, and the efficient irrigation system minimizes the use of potable water. A sustainable living guide was created for the residents to aid awareness of building features and suggest tips for doing even more to conserve resources. Additional details about the sustainable features of the buildings can be found on the Office of Sustainability website.
LEED Certified Structures at Elon
2009 Martha S. and Carl H. Lindner III Hall, LEED Gold
2011 Alumni Field House, LEED Gold
2011 Loy Center Houses (N, O/P, Q, R and S), LEED for Homes Platinum
2013 Station at Mill Point Depot Building, LEED Silver
2013 Gerald L. Francis Center, LEED Silver
2013 Station at Mill Point Houses (4), LEED for Homes Gold
For more information on Elon’s sustainable construction practices, review the Green Building Policy or visit the Office of Sustainability website.