Butler University aims for first LEED-certified building

Butler University in Indianapolis, Ind., is building a $14 million addition to its pharmacy and health sciences facility. The university is aiming for the project to received a silver LEED rating; it would be the first building on campus to achieve LEED certification. Some of the green elements that will be found in the facility: Waterless urinals in men’s bathrooms and hand dryers in all bathrooms. Bicycle storage, changing rooms and showers will be provided for people who bicycle to work. Five percent of the building’s parking lot will be reserved for hybrid vehicles. Classrooms will will illuminated with a combination of natural light and soft electric lights. Green electricity will be purchased through a program with the local utility. The university will also recycle the construction waste material that would normally go to a landfill, and install recycled carpet and flooring throughout the addition. The architect is Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf. To read a Butler University news release, click here.