BOSTON–UMass Boston’s latest residennce halls are recognized for sustainable construction and design, according to UMassBoston News.
Cool roofing, 100 percent LED lighting, and low-flow showers and toilets all helped to earn UMass Boston’s Dining and Residence Halls a LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Gold is the second highest certification, behind Platinum.
“This development created the opportunity for our students to have a traditional residential college experience for the very first time,” UMass Boston Interim Chancellor Katherine Newman said. “We are especially pleased that this new construction has achieved LEED Gold certification as it aptly reflects our commitment to—and our community’s interest in—sustainable development.”
UMass Boston has a strong track record in its sustainability efforts, and this is the university’s third LEED Gold certificate. The campus’s Integrated Sciences Complex and University Hall were given the same award in 2016 and 2017, respectively.
The residence hall complex was built through a public-private partnership. The UMass Building Authority contracted with Capstone Development Partners to lease a portion of the UMass Boston campus to construct the residence halls.
“Through the hard work and dedication of all involved we were able to exceed our initial LEED® Silver target while staying on schedule and on budget, and we hope it will continue to yield cost savings through the enhanced sustainable features,” said Jeff Jones, principal of Capstone Development Partners. “Most importantly, we hope this certification will be valued by our current and future student residents.”
Buildings that are LEED certified are known to have demonstrated leadership in sustainable uses of water, resources, generating less waste, and supporting the health of their residents. Here are some of the reasons, according to Jones, why this particular project achieved Gold certification:
- Low-flow showers, faucets, toilets, and urinals add up to a water savings of 34 percent compared to non-low-flow systems.
- Hot water efficiency and 100 percent LED lighting has resulted in a 26.8 percent energy cost savings.
- Cool roofing and hardscape materials reduce a heat island effect.
