An extensive renovation of a 63-year-old academic building at Northwestern University in Evanston has received LEED Platinum certification for its environmentally friendly design and construction strategies.
The university says the designation for Kresge Hall makes the first LEED Platinum building at Northwestern.
Kresge is home to the Weinberg College of Arts and Science’s humanities programs, and virtually all undergraduates pass through the facility at some point in their academic careers, Northwestern says
The renovation has transformed Kresge, which was built in 1954, into a modern, comfortable and healthful environment. The facility re-opened in August 2016 after two years of renovation.
"It proves that collaborative, thoughtful design need not be more expensive and results in a higher-quality product,” says John D’Angelo, vice president of facilities management.
Among the sustainable features in the revamped Kresge Hall:
•A 254-panel rooftop solar array that provides 5 percent of the building’s electricity
•100 percent low-emitting interior materials (paints, flooring, sealants, etc.) that significantly reduce indoor air pollution
•Daylight sensors that automatically dim or brighten the building’s high-efficiency LED lights based on sunlight
•Highest-grade possible exterior insulation and windows
•Radiant ceiling panels that use chilled water from the central utility plant to reduce the amount of energy needed for air conditioning
“The project challenged us to create functional and engaging environments that will perform well for the next 60 years and position the building as an advocate for the kind of sustainable facility that will be increasingly in demand by the university,” says Avi Lothan, design principal for Lothan Van Hook Destefano Architecture, the project designer.
Kresge is the 11th facility on Northwestern's Evanston and Chicago campuses on to receive LEED certification.
Northwestern now requires all major construction and renovation projects to meet LEED standards as part of the university’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
