Green Building
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
In the U.S., buildings account for 36% of total energy use, 65% of electricity consumption, 30% of greenhouse gas emissions, 30% or raw material use, 30% of waste output (136 million tons annually), and 12% of potable water consumption . As a result of the tremendous impacts buildings have on our environment, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has developed a voluntary national certification program for constructing high-performance, sustainable buildings titled LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). While these design guidelines are rapidly being adopted within a variety of industries, higher education is leading the way .
When viewed over the 50-year or longer expected life of the building, complex green building systems and technologies provide significant direct cost savings. Future operations and maintenance costs are considered when examining initial construction costs. Such life-cycle cost analysis incorporates savings estimates from Operations & Maintenance budgets and are considered as part of the capital projects budget and incorporated into the more traditional cost-per-square-foot calculations.
While it is difficult to measure exact financial impacts of health and productivity costs, some relevant attributes are common in green buildings which promote healthier indoor environments. Less toxic materials such as adhesives and sealants, paints, carpets, composite woods, and chemical & pollutant source control combine with better lighting quality and better ventilation to offer a healthier environment for staff and students alike.
Loyola Marymount University has a long-standing tradition of environmental responsibility, and in keeping with this tradition is committed to a built environment which reflects its concern for human and environmental health. Current LEED-certified buildings include Del Rey North and South (above right), and Leavey 5 and 6 (above left).
William H. Hannon Library
Designed for a vacant parcel at the northern end of campus, the new William H. Hannon Library will provide the “campus center” approved as part of the Master Plan for LMU’s Leavey Campus. The architectural firm of DMJM drew upon the artistic harmony represented by the image of a circle inscribed within a square. This harmony serves as the basis for the plan of the William H. Hannon Library. The William H. Hannon Library will incorporate environmentally sensitive design elements and materials. In accordance with LMU’s commitment to good environmental stewardship, the William H. Hannon Library is expected to be LEED Silver certified, meeting or exceeding standards for sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. It will house 88,000 square feet of library space in three floors and will provide for many amenities. A basement will also be provided for storage. Access to the Library will be from the University entrance along Lincoln Boulevard.
The new Hannon Library will enhance the educational experience of our student community, promote greater collaboration among faculty and staff, and incorporate key features essential to learning, communicating, and achieving success in a digital age. It will also serve as a tribute to one of the University’s most treasured and honored benefactors.
Click here for more details on the William H. Hannon Library and to view construction progress on our real-time webcams.
Click here to view a fly-through of the new Library on YouTube (courtesy of DMJM Design).