ECC building earns energy and environment design nod
Submitted by ECC
Elgin Community College’s Renner Academic Library and Learning Resources building has received the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver certification.
Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED is intended to provide building owners and operators a concise framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.
Opened in 2012, the new library features 14 technology equipped study rooms, three large classrooms for library instruction, more than 120 open public computers, a separate computer lab, the Food For Thought Café, and a quiet Reading Room. Three times larger than the original library, the additional space allows more patrons to use the building, in addition to being more accessible to Community College District 509 residents.
The library is energy-efficient, as it uses a clerestory building technique to bring in additional natural light, and bidirectional lighting to reduce eye strain. Also, a variety of wood paneling is used to absorb noise. The overall project cost was $21.5 million, $4.5 million under budget.
Other sustainable features include:
Ÿ Proximity to public transportation, bicycle storage and changing facilities, car/van-pool parking, and the use of highly reflective hardscape and roofing materials to reduce the heat island effect.
Ÿ A water-efficient landscaping design that incorporates native vegetation and no permanent irrigation system to maintain the grounds. Also, a 45 percent reduction in potable water usage was achieved by utilizing dual flush water closets, low-flow urinals and low-flow faucets.
Ÿ Use of recycled content for building materials as well as products that have been extracted, harvested, and manufactured within 500 miles of the building.
Ÿ Use of low-emitting materials including paints, sealants, coatings, carpet tiles and adhesives, which together contribute to healthy indoor air quality for the library occupants.
Ÿ An under-floor air distribution system whose efficiency contributes to the building’s nearly 20 percent optimization in energy performance over a baseline model and contributes to a more comfortable heating and cooling environment for patrons.
Ÿ Implementation of erosion and sediment control measures during construction, as well as measures to prevent air pollution from construction dust and particle matter.
Ÿ Diverted 85 percent of the on-site generated construction waste from landfills.
For information about ECC’s Facilities Master Plan, of which the Renner Academic Library and Learning Resources is just one part, visit elgin.edu/masterplan.