Triton Receives Sustainability Award for New Health and Sciences Building
River Grove, Ill. - Triton College has been awarded the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification for its newly renovated Health and Sciences Building (H Building). LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification program that honors best-in-class building practices and strategies.
Leaders of the H Building renovation project were recognized for the accomplishment during Triton's monthly board of trustees meeting on April 18.
"We are extremely proud of the new Health and Sciences Building and are honored to be recognized for our commitment to sustainability and the health and well-being of the community," said Triton College Associate V.P. of Facilities John Lambrecht. "This project was a collaborative effort on the part of many individuals and falls very much in line with our mission of providing a student-centered learning environment for our community."
Triton's revamped Health and Sciences Building opened in fall 2015, featuring cutting-edge equipment and tools that are helping to prepare a new generation of students to succeed in a variety of health care careers. Students enrolled in programs including nursing, surgical technology, diagnostic medical sonography, nuclear medicine, ophthalmology and more are learning their craft in the comfortable, state-of-the art facility.
The facility features a surgical technology and dissection lab, a relaxed seating area and collaborative learning spaces. It is also equipped with tools and equipment used by today's professionals in the health industry and sciences fields, giving students experience with the type of equipment they'll work with once they enter the workforce.
The facility was designed by FGM Architects, who worked closely with the college throughout the renovation. FGM Principal David Yandel and Senior Associate Carol Stolt joined Triton officials as they received the LEED Silver Award.
"From the outside in, we provided more green space so that we could create a more sustainable building to enhance the community and the campus," Yandel said. "The renovations include thermally efficient windows, new insulation around the perimeter, more insulation on the roofs and a complete gut of the interior that provided new mechanical systems that are highly efficient."
The renovations are part of Triton's campus renewal bond project. A capital grant from the state of Illinois covered about 75 percent of the $16 million in the Health and Sciences Building upgrades. Improvements to Triton's Student Center, athletic facilities and child care center are also included in the multi-year improvement program.
For more information on Triton's campus improvement projects, visit triton.edu/construction.