The Muhlenberg Weekly

Issue date: 9/13/07 Section: News

The New Science Building (NSB), officially opened last fall, has recently been certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program. Based upon the rating system that LEED uses, the College received a silver certification. Richard Niesenbaum, Professor and Department Chair of Biology said, "This is a very high acknowledgement of our efforts to use sustainable building practices and design. This is quite an honor and recognizes The College's commitment to sustainability."

Some of the "green" features inside the NSB include: energy efficient design, use of natural light, the use of carpets, paints, and other materials with reduced chemical emissions, use of renewable construction materials, use of sustainable certified wood, external light pollution reduction, and the use of green housekeeping materials, just to name a few.

The LEED certification provides third party verification that a building is "green" and that it is more environmentally responsible and healthy for its occupants than traditionally built buildings. Areas of key performance include sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.

The decision to apply for the LEED certification was supported by all those involved in developing and designing the building in the first place including Bruce Anderson, Associate Professor of Chemistry, Kent Dyer, Chief Business Officer and Treasurer, Marjorie Hass, College Provost and Professor of Philosophy, President Helm, and Richard Niesenbaum.

The NSB is only one part of a larger commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility that President Helm made three years ago when he established the Campus Greening Committee. The committee is made up of students, faculty, administrators, and staff and has so far focused on improved campus recycling, reduced paper use, and energy efficiency and conservation in addition to green building practice.

When asked for his thoughts on both the NSB and the LEED certification President Helm said, "I am beaming with pride about our LEED Silver classification - it is terrific that the College was willing to show this degree of commitment to sustainability in such a tangible, visible way. The decision to build a sustainable science building was made deliberately - not only because it was the responsible thing to do in terms of environmental stewardship, but because it would set an example for other institutions. Obviously, we succeeded!"

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