Keeping it Cool this Summer

During the summer months the struggle between comfort and cost is a difficult one. The same applies to UNI, which is why the university is always working to find new efficiencies to save money.

Remodels of our buildings offer us great opportunity to save money. UNI was recently recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council with a LEEDv2009 Gold Certification. The LEED 2009 Green Building Rating System for Commercial Interiors promotes healthy, durable and environmentally sound design solutions for building occupants.

The design team for the remodel of UNI's Schindler Education Center incorporated Energy Star rated equipment throughout the building to save on operating and maintenance costs, including computers, LED displays, touchscreens and A/V equipment. The project demonstrated that 89 percent of the total wood-based building materials are certified in accordance with the principles and criteria of the Forest Stewardship Council. DLR Group and Stantec worked closely with Mortensen Construction throughout the construction process to divert 80 percent of construction waste from the landfill.

“Being good stewards of our resources and embracing sustainable practices to lower utility costs for the ­university over the lifespan of the building, while making the building healthy from VOC emissions, is important to the university and all users,” said UNI architect Glenn Swanson. “Achieving the level of LEED Gold demonstrates the university's willingness to go the extra mile in sustainability efforts. We are very pleased with the outcome and the successes the remodeling of Schindler Education Center has achieved.”