N.Y. Business School Snags LEED Platinum

ITHACA — The new 38,800-square-foot business school at Ithaca College received LEED Platinum certification, making it the first U.S. higher education business school facility to achieve that rating.

The Dorothy D. and Roy. H. Park Center for Business and Sustainable Enterprise, designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, employs several sustainable design elements to reduce energy and water consumption while maximizing views and natural daylighting.

Architects worked with environmental design consultant Atelier Ten, of New York, to help minimize the building’s carbon footprint through a combination of sustainable design strategies and systems, including green roofing, daylighting and mechanical systems.

A vegetated roof helps control water runoff and provides insulation against extreme temperature fluctuation, while a white roof reduces the heat island effect on the building.

A multistory, south-facing glass curtain wall is designed to reduce energy consumption while allowing for natural light. Half of the building’s electricity needs will be purchased from renewable sources, and a storm-water reclamation system is designed to provide a portion of the school’s water needs.

The new center received 56 points for LEED Platinum certification. A minimum score of 52 is required to achieve the platinum rating.

Gilbane Building Company, of Providence, R.I., served as construction manager for the project.