The Alan Magee Scaife Hall West Wing addition and renovation at the University of Pittsburgh has received LEED Gold certification for its environmentally friendly design and construction.
The university says the designation marks Pitt’s 20th LEED-certified building since 2005.
The upgrades to Scaife Hall, home to the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, include a seven-story wing with an accessible entrance on Lothrop Street, contemporary learning spaces, a renovated Falk Library of the Health Sciences and a café on Terrace Street.
“Training future health care leaders in buildings that physically embody sustainable practices sends a powerful message about the connection between healthy environments and human and planetary health,” says Jaime Cerilli, associate vice chancellor for strategic space planning and management for Pitt Health Sciences.
The building has LED lighting, superior insulation, specialized air handling units for heat recovery and a ventilation system that adjusts based on occupancy. All of the building’s electricity comes from renewable sources, including a 134-kilowatt solar array expected to generate 4% of the building’s electricity.
“Pitt’s built environment is an enduring demonstration of our sustainability efforts,” said Gina Bleck, vice chancellor of planning, design and construction. “Every new Pitt building or major renovation pursues LEED Gold or better."
The project diverted 74.5% of construction waste from landfills and salvaged theater seats, wood flooring and aluminum panels for reuse. A new stormwater feature with native plants lines Lothrop Street.
