Benton Hall, the newest building on the Colgate University campus in Hamilton, N.Y., has received LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Named for Colgate trustee and lead donor Daniel C. Benton, the $16.4 million Benton Hall is home to Colgate’s Center for Career Services, the Office of National Fellowships and Scholarships, and Thought Into Action.
The 18,500-square-foot facility was built with 75 percent of its construction waste recycled or salvaged. Stone was sourced within a 500-mile radius, and a passive house design was used to help reduce energy consumption by almost half compared with traditional designs.
In addition, efficient plumbing fixtures conserve drinking water, and high-performing windows and lighting reduce energy usage, as do vacancy occupancy sensors and daylight responsive light dimming.
“The main determining factors that led to the platinum certification were credited to the robust envelope design, coupled with the building’s efficient energy systems that cut overall consumption rates and increased visitor comfort and satisfaction with the space,” says Project Manager Joe Inman. “The balance of the design focused in on sustainable site, stormwater management, energy performance, the use of regional materials, and excellent indoor air quality goals.”
The building opened in summer 2018. The architect is Robert A.M. Stern Architects.
Since the 2011 opening of the Trudy Fitness Center, which received LEED Gold certification, Colgate has committed to green building practices for all new construction and major renovations, with a minimum goal of LEED Silver certification.
In 2017, the Class of 1965 Arena received LEED Gold.
Teresa Olsen, assistant vice president and director of career services, says Benton Hall’s environmental enhancements, and considerations have a significant impact on day-to-day life in the building.
“Walking into Benton Hall early every morning, the space just feels energetic,” Olsen says. “From the use of natural light down to the water-bottle filling stations, each detail related to sustainability feels like it was considered with the utmost respect to the level of responsibility one should have when adding a building to the academic quad.”
