Pacific University Achieves LEED Gold for New Residence Hall
FOREST GROVE, Ore. — Pacific University ‘s newest residence hall received LEED gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, making it one of the first student housing projects on the West Coast to strike gold.
Completed in August 2006, the 59,000-square-foot Burlingham Hall features several green elements designed to minimize the building’s impact on the environment and raise awareness of sustainable living among residents.
Designed by Mahlum Architects and built by Lease Crutcher Lewis, both of Seattle, the four-story residence hall is expected to achieve significant savings for the university through water- and energy-efficient technology.
Low-flow fixtures in the kitchen and bathrooms and zero-irrigation landscaping are designed to reduce campus water use by 30 percent. A stormwater management system consisting of bioswales and plant materials will minimize rainwater runoff and prevent contaminants from entering storm piping.
Large, high-performance windows, programmable thermostats and energy-efficient lighting are designed to help the university save 33 percent in energy costs, along with energy-saving appliances and high-performance mechanical and energy-recovery systems.
Indoor air quality was also a priority for the Burlingham project. Each housing unit has windows that open and close, allowing for natural ventilation, and students and janitorial staff have access to eco-friendly cleaning materials. Mats located at building entrances help to reduce particulate contaminants from entering the building, while low-VOC paint, carpeting, adhesives and composite wood building materials minimize off-gassing inside the hall.
To increase awareness of sustainable living among residents, faculty members and visitors, the design team incorporated signage throughout the building to point out sustainable features and explain how to use the building. Students are encouraged to close drapes and blinds to reduce energy transfer outside the building, minimize water use while brushing teeth and use the recycling bins on each floor.
The hall is also intended to promote community building among residents. Home to 161 sophomore, junior and senior students, Burlingham is divided into 49 units that feature a variety of housing configurations. Students have their choice of two-bedroom suites or four-bedrooms apartments.
The hall offers residents multiple opportunities to communicate and mingle through a fully wireless network system, multipurpose lounges on each floor, and a lobby, formal lounge and two large common areas for studying, conferences, classrooms and social events on the ground floor.
Residents also have access to a common laundry facility on the first floor and a community kitchen on the third floor.
Since its opening last summer, Burlingham has sparked a green movement on campus. The university launched a campaign in February to practice sustainability by encouraging people to use paper products with high post-consumer recycled content, non-toxic markers and cleaners, and other environmentally conscious supplies.
The new residence hall is LEED gold-certified.