 | Going “Green” - Benefits to the Environment A LEED Project - Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design
The new French Family Center demonstrates a strong commitment to boeth innovation and the environment on the Ursuline campus. The facility is the first classroom building in the Southwest to be certified LEED Gold by teh U.S. Green Building Council. This rating distinguishes the new Center as one of the most environmentally sustainable secondary educational facilities in the U.S.
The LEED Green Building Rating System is a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of green buildings. LEED promotes sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas:
- Sustainable site development
- Water savings
- Energy efficiency
- Materials selection
- Indoor environmental air quality
To earn certification, a building project must gain certain credits within each category. Faculty, staff and volunteer leaders worked closely with F&S Partners, Inc. (project architects), engineers, construction managers, and specialists in building commissioning to identify a wide variety of environmentally responsible features to be incorporated into the new center. These design decisions are not only visible to students but are also being incorporated in the curriculum.
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| | “It is fundamental to promote the design and construction of ‘green’ schools because these buildings can play a tremendous role in bettering the health and performance of America’s children and youth.” ZAIDA BASORA, A.I.A.
Assistant Director
Administration and Architectural Services
Dallas Public Works and Transportation |
According to the U.S. Green Building Council:
- Buildings produce 39% of total CO2 emissions in the U.S. and consume 76% of power plant generated electricity.
- School buildings represent the largest construction sector in the country.
- "Green" schools use on average 33% less energy, save 32% more water, and reduce solid waste by 74% when compared with traditional school buildings.
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