Building Design & Construction
It is important for Colorado State to build efficiently, because buildings have a huge impact. In the U.S., buildings account for 36% of total energy use, 65% of electrical consumption, 30% of greenhouse gas emissions, 30% of raw materials use, 30% of waste output (136 million tons annually), and 12% of potable water consumption.
For more comprehensive examination of a number of past, current, and future buildings, please visit the Facilities Management Capital Improvement Projects website.
Microbiology Study Lounge
The new Microbiology Study Lounge was completed in late 2008. It features a balcony, and natural light is incorporated as the primary means of light for the interior.
The newest update to the lounge will be a green roof. A green roof is a roof of a building that is covered or partially covered with vegetation and a growing medium, such as soil. Approximately 400 square feet of the study lounge will be occupied by a planting tray for various plants.
Greening the roof will have multiple benefits. It will reduce heating and cooling loads on the study lounge, reduce stormwater runoff, and filter pollutants out of the air. Approximately twenty percent of the vegetation will be part of an experiment, coordinated by Jennifer Bousselot, a PhD Horticulture student, who is researching green roof plant species to determine which western alpine plant species may be useful.
Academic Village
To replace Ellis Hall, the University decided to build the Academic Village as an environmentally responsible building. The facility features low-flow water fixtures to conserve water use. Additionally, there are displays with information on energy consumption as an educational tool. The two-story Dining Commons features a pulper that takes food waste and, using water, compacts the waste and then recirculates the water for conservation.
LEED Gold Transit Center
The Transit Center was designed and constructed to meet the Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards, which emphasize state-of-the-art strategies for sustainable site development, energy efficiency, indoor environment quality, water savings and material selection.
The University, in conjunction with the City of Fort Collins, had previously sought LEED silver certification. At completion, the Lory Transit Center featured low-flow water fixtures, indoor air quality management and over 85% construction waste management. The Green Building Council awarded LEED Gold certification, indicating a higher sustainable rating had been achieved.
Future Academic Instruction Building
This new building will be located south of the Clark C-Wing and offer high-quality learning spaces for students and room to hold faculty as the University continues to grow. The building will be designed and constructed to meet LEED certification standards. Features being considered in the early design phase include a garden atrium, water efficient landscape, use of renewable energy systems and local materials.
Additional Buildings & Projects
For further information and media on many more buildings and related projects, please visit the Facilities Management Capital Improvement Projects website.