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Physical Features Support for “green,” or environmentally friendly architecture is growing worldwide, and the movement found fertile ground here. When the University of South Carolina needed more student housing, several university officials began advocating the construction of a “green building.” Plans for the sustainable residence hall took advantage of the great potential for minimizing the impact on the Earth and saving expenses. The 500-student West Quad opened in Fall 2004.
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LEED Certification
From the very beginning, design plans for Green Quad’s construction followed Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) guidelines. The United States Green Building Council created the LEED certification program with strict standards for construction to protect both the outward and indoor environment. Our Silver LEED certification has brought recognition from across the globe. LEED requires increased performance and efficiency in many aspects of the building process, including that future maintenance costs be reduced through the selection of building materials and management systems. Through dedication to these guidelines, Green Quad has been projected to reduce average water consumption by 20 percent and energy consumption by more than 45 percent. In 2004-05 residents increased water efficiency by 30 percent and energy efficiency by 56 percent. For more information about the LEED Program, see the U.S. Green Building Council’s website (www.usgbc.org).
Preserving The Original Site
One of the practices of building sustainable facilities is to minimize negative effects on the environment. A sustainable building should begin by reducing the effects on the surrounding habitat. Minimizing disturbance to the original site was a priority throughout the construction process. Soil excavated from the worksite was used onsite instead of being hauled away, preventing the need for fresh topsoil after construction. It also kept the site closer to its original composition. The special erosion and sediment practices used during the building process reduced damage to the nearby Rocky Branch Creek. Contractors also preserved the large trees on the east side of the complex.
Building With Recycled Materials
Local and Regional Materials. Purchasing materials from area manufacturers can stimulate the local economy, reduce construction costs and lower the amount of fossil fuel emissions associated with transportation. A strong effort was made to find local construction materials. More than 60 percent of the construction materials originated from within a 500-mile radius.
Recycled Content of Materials. Recognizing that using products made of recycled material saves valuable resources, university officials sought to utilize recycled materials during construction. They selected materials that can be easily recycled when they need replacement. A large portion of the building materials contains a significant level of post-consumer recycled content.
Any waste accumulated during construction was closely managed and separated to collect recyclable materials. More than 88 percent of both construction and demolition materials were recycled. This combines into approximately 9,000 cubic yards of waste saved from landfills. The recycled materials included sheetrock (drywall), which was recycled for its lime content, and wood scraps that were turned into mulch.
Energy Saving Features
Solar-Preheated Water. While the light shelves feature reduces solar heat in the building, other features are designed to collect such heat. Solar tubes located on top of Building B collect the sun’s energy and preheat our water. The solar-heated water is stored in two 900-gallon storage tanks at the bottom of Building C. By preheating water, natural gas consumption is decreased. In addition to saving energy, the solar heated water also helps to ensure a consistent supply of hot water for hall residents. This system is the largest of its type in the United States.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell. The Learning Center uses a 5-kilowatt hydrogen fuel cell located on the turf roof. This device generates electricity in a chemical reaction by the movement of hydrogen through a series of membranes. Although the idea for fuel cells has been around for many years, the practical utilization of this technology is still in development. The fuel cell gets its hydrogen from natural gas. The primary by-product of fuel cells is water, making fuel cell power extremely clean. Any excess heat produced while the fuel cell is running is redirected into the domestic hot water system to heat water for the bathrooms in the Learning Center and sinks in the café and convenience store.
As a major center for fuel cell research, USC received approximately $100,000 from the U.S. Department of Energy and $50,000 from the South Carolina Energy Office to obtain the machine and develop a course for its study and research. The fuel cell serves as an educational and experimental opportunity for engineering students, who run and maintain it. Although the fuel cell research specifically involves engineering students, all students are encouraged to venture out onto the turf roof to observe it for themselves, then enjoy the display for more information on the history and workings of a fuel cell.
The Green Indoors
Internal Air Quality. During the construction of a building, heating and air conditioning vents are often exposed to smoke, fumes, and particulate matter. These residual materials linger in the building, reducing the air quality and potentially contributing to “sick building syndrome.” Our design includes an internal air quality plan, which assures that all vents are sealed and kept contaminant-free. To ensure fresh air quality, Green Quad provides 100 percent fresh air continuously, uses a carbon dioxide monitoring system, and has operable windows. Low-VOC paint, adhesives, and furniture also contribute to improve air quality.
Low- or No- Volatile Organic Compounds. Of important concern in the construction process are potentially harmful emissions from building materials. Emissions known as volatile organic compounds (VOC) are a primary concern, and are associated with respiratory problems, allergies, and “sick building syndrome.” Compounds like paint require a respirator when applied, but after drying, the emissions are reduced to a level considered safe. Whenever possible, lowemitting materials have been used including low- or no-VOC paint, carpet, furniture, adhesives, laminates, and cleaning supplies. For example, the tops of all apartment furniture are constructed of wheat board, a sustainable product made of wheat straw bound with resin. Wheat board replaces particle board that contains urea formaldehyde, a VOC.
Electrical Usage Metering. A monitoring system allows all students to evaluate their energy consumption. The lobby in Building A has a touch-screen monitor for students to check the electrical output of their apartment and compare it to their neighbors. The system also allows the user to view electrical usage history and predictions for future consumption.
Carbon Dioxide Monitoring. Carbon dioxide gas can be dangerous gas for humans when it is highly-concentrated in the air supply. It is imperative to monitor carbon dioxide levels in homes and residence halls. For the health of all occupants, a permanent carbon dioxide monitoring system has been installed. It provides important feedback on ventilation performance. Some common areas of the building have CO2 monitors connected to the heating, ventilation, and cooling systems to maintain fresh air.
High Efficiency Plumbing. In order to reduce water consumption, Green Quad uses high efficiency showerheads, faucets, and toilets that require fewer gallons per flush. These fixtures reduce water consumption by 20 percent. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, “low-flow faucets use between 0.5 and 1 gallon of water per minute, compared with 3-5 gallons of water per minute used by a standard faucet. [Similar] showerheads use about 2.2 gallons per minute, compared to a standard showerhead that uses between 5 and 10 gallons of water per minute.” For more ways to reduce water usage, see “Tips for Reducing Water Usage” on page 11.
High-Efficiency Washers and Dryers. Green Quad has high-efficiency washers and dryers. The units’ f ro nt - l o adi n g feature reduces campus water usage by over 2 million gallons annually, saving nearly $20,000 in electricity and water charges each year. Additionally, these machines require less laundry detergent, resulting in cleaner wastewater and savings for students!
Apartment Thermostats. Residents can control the temperature of their living space with apartment thermostats. This convenient feature allows residents to determine a comfortable temperature and prevents the potential for overheated rooms. For maximum energy efficiency, room temperatures should be maintained at 78 degrees in the summer months and 68 degrees in the winter months. Each additional degree of summer cooling or winter heating increases energy costs by 3-5 percent (www.ceegr.org/take_action/ energy.html). It is also important to keep the windows closed when the heat or air-conditioning is on to contain the heated or cooled air.
Common Room Sensors. Between 30 and 50 percent of a typical building’s energy use goes toward lighting (www.greenseal.org/recommendations/ CGR+Sensors. pdf ). Simply remembering to turn off the lights before leaving a room conserves a great amount of energy. To assist in conserving energy, room sensors have been installed in Green Quad classrooms, laundry rooms, and other common areas. These sensors detect motion in a room and are programmed to turn the lights on and off as people enter and exit the room.
Changing Station for Bicyclists. Included in the Learning Center is a changing station for bicyclists. It is available for use by any member of the campus community and has a shower in addition to the changing room. This facility supports the use of bicycles as a healthy, convenient, and environmentally friendly form of transportation and also provides indoor bicycle storage.
The Green Outdoors
Open Green Space. Green Quad’s design intentionally includes open green space. These areas enhance appearance and provide greater comfort for residents and visitors. The outdoor spaces present a location for students to spend free time, play sports, and even study or attend classes.
Carolina Habitat Garden. Along Sumter Street, near the Learning Center, is the Backyard Habitat Garden. This garden incorporates traditional South Carolina features, including a split-rail fence and confederate jessamine, the state flower. It provides food, shelter and water for native birds, butterflies and other wildlife essential to urban ecosystems. To learn more about the Carolina Garden, visit: <[1]>.
High-Efficiency Irrigation System. Green Quad is equipped with an adjustable drip irrigation system. These systems decrease water runoff and evaporation, maximizing the amount of water going directly to the plants and lowering the risk of plant diseases. Our system is over 50 percent more efficient than traditional irrigation systems.
Xeriscaping. This is a method of landscaping that uses drought-resistant plants native or adapted to an area. Plants for landscaping were chosen based on soil, water, and sunlight exposure. The landscaping design helps conserve water, reduces maintenance needs, and limits pest and disease problems.
Turf Roof. While a large portion of Green Quad has recycled copper roofing, the Learning Center has a turf roof. Turf roofing keeps buildings cooler in the summer by absorbing and trapping excess heat. Urban areas collect heat in asphalt and concrete that radiate the energy back into the environment to form “heat islands.” This effect can increase temperature by up to 10 degrees, magnifying air pollution and adversely affecting human health, local habitats and microclimates. Turf roofs also reduce the amount of rainwater runoff, thus lessening the amount of water sent into stormwater systems. Furthermore, they provide additional plant material for oxygen production and a habitat beneficial for insects and birds. Students can walk on the turf roof and enjoy it at their leisure.
Integrating Nature and Storm Water Management. Stormwater collects oil, lubricants, combustion by-products, and many other contaminants as it runs over roofs and asphalt then into local waterways. These impervious surfaces concentrate high volumes of water and prevent absorption into the soil creating the potential for localized flooding. Green Quad uses a permeable service road, which allows water into the ground below, for access to the courtyard and applies several techniques to manage stormwater. These include bio-retention, phytoremediation, and erosion and sediment controls.
The bio-retention system functions as a natural storm water retention area directly behind Building C. Here, the landscape design incorporates hydrophilic (water-loving) plants and strategic drainage patterns to filter and absorb excess runoff quickly. The practice of using specialized plants to remove contaminants, such as metals or organic compounds, from soil and groundwater is known as phytoremediation. This program flourishes through a learning partnership with faculty and students from the Department of Biological Sciences, who grow and study these plants. The phytoremediation system acts as a giant filter and reduces runoff to stormwater drains and streams. The amphitheater in the courtyard area also doubles as a filter and terrace system to control rainwater. Phytoremediation plants are located on each end of the amphitheater.
Eroded sediment from uncontrolled rainwater can both weaken site structure and pollute local waterways. During construction, temporary earth dikes, silt fencing, and sediment traps were set up to limit erosion. More permanent methods include mulching to protect soil from water and wind as well as creating a sediment basin pond that allows particles in stormwater to settle out before drainage into Rocky Branch Creek.
