August – October 2024
Taking Action on Our Environmental Values
If you have been on campus recently, you may have seen that we have a fairly large area blocked off between the swimming pool and the field. This is the site of our new Falcons Hub – we are excited for what this new facility will mean for ISPP in terms of functionality but also the opportunity this presents to take action in-line with our values of responsibility to the environment.
This building is being designed to meet the highest standard of environmental protection and every decision takes this into account. We are using the LEED standard from the US Green Building Council and our hope is to reach the highest rating we can in this effort.
The LEED certification works on a points system in seven different categories. Here are some highlights of the type of things we are incorporating in the building design.
Sustainable sites:
- 30% of the site is outdoor space
- Reduce heat-island effects through roof materials that absorb less energy
- Reduce light pollution by designing illumination downward
- Reduce water usage by harvesting rainwater for toilet flushing
Indoor environmental quality
- Automate monitoring systems for indoor air quality
- Air intake filtration systems to ensure high-quality indoor air
- Use Low VOC (volatile organic compounds) emitting carpets
- Ensure all rooms have sufficient daylight through window design
Water efficiency:
- Implement outdoor water use reduction through landscape design
- Use low-consumption fixtures such as toilets, sinks and showers
- Include building-specific water metering
Energy and atmosphere
- Connect to our existing solar energy grid
- Use energy-efficient appliances and lighting
- Use AC systems that are highly efficient, reducing GHG emissions
- Build thermally insulating walls, windows and roof to reduce energy losses
Materials and resources
- Use recyclable materials including the steel frame of the building
- Source materials locally or regionally as possible
- Install materials that meet environmental standards for green buildings (paints, flooring, furniture, hardware, tiles, carpet etc.)
Location and transportation
- Identify access to public transit
- Establish bicycle parking
- Provide access and charging for green vehicles
Innovation
- Use the building as an education tool as part of its fundamental purpose
- Maintain green housekeeping practices
- Use LED lighting
If you want to see the construction in process, upstairs in the Learning Center gives a nice bird’s eye view!
Eileen Niedermann
Director
