College administrators announce that the campus is up to eight certified LEED structures with another project in the approval process. Administrators note that the environmental approach on campus also saves money through lower utility bills.
Officials at Cuyahoga Community College, known locally as Tri-C, recently reaffirmed the school's commitment to sustainable development in a news release describing recent building projects and future plans. Citing a new wave of construction with a focus on environmental responsibility, the college states that the benefits of this type of construction are not confined to ecological concerns, but also provide more cost-efficient spaces that offer improved conditions for students.
According to the news release, Tri-C boasts a total of eight LEED certified buildings, with another project in the review process. Administrators explained why creating sustainable spaces on campus is important. "As a taxpayer-funded entity, we want to be a good steward of financial resources as well as the environment. We want buildings that can allow us to do that for many decades," said Tri-C Sustainability Manager, David November.
LEED certification is granted by the U.S. Green Building Council with a set of criteria based on the type of structure. Different levels of LEED certification are available including Basic, Silver, Gold, and Platinum LEED. Often there are regionally-based qualifications, which in the case of Tri-C, center around reducing ground pollution that leads into Lake Erie. These considerations were taken into account in the planning of recent projects. As November states, "Impermeable areas like parking lots flow into retention ponds at Westshore Campus to allow water to naturally drain into the ground. At Metro, we took advantage of the permeable sandy soil the campus is built on. The courtyard adjacent to the new Campus Center has permeable areas that allow water to drain into the soil underneath."
November also stressed how the benefits of designing campus development around environmental sustainability carries added benefits. Economically, the college saves money on utility costs with the inclusion of plenty of windows and skylights, along with the usage of LED fixtures, to cut down on energy consumption, and thus, utility bills. According to the news release, the implementation of these features saves the college tens of thousands of dollars each year.
Additionally, the newly designed spaces improve the student experience by enhancing learning environments and shared spaces. "You think about the impact that your surroundings can have on your senses, and we've taken that into consideration with our designs. We wanted bright interiors that take advantage of natural light, a healthy indoor air quality and interesting artwork that makes it a stimulating, energizing place to learn and work," November noted.
Other benefits to green construction on campus, as detailed by Tri-C's news release, include healthier buildings that use fewer volatile organic compounds in construction, leading to better air quality. The latest buildings on campus also feature more plants and include locally produced artwork.