Community College Gets Smart

SAN DIEGO-In the San Diego Community College District, new construction and major renovations that receive funds from local construction bonds must meet the sustainable design standards of the United States Green Building Council. Though the new gymnasium at San Diego City College is not using bond funds, college officials decided to add a green element to the project anyway. They opted to install SmartWood instead of a conventional gym floor.

SmartWood, a program of the Rainforest Alliance, certifies that lumber was harvested in accordance with the standards set by the Forest Stewardship Council.

The solid maple SmartWood floor did not add any extra cost to the $9 million, 53,000-square-foot project. The gymnasium will open in late summer 2005. It will be home to the college’s new fitness specialist certificate program.

Connor Sports Flooring, supplier of the floor, was the first Maple Floor Manufacturers’ Association member certified under the SmartWood program.