AERTC Building

U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum Rating

Renderings of LEED Platinum Building
Location: Stony Brook University Office Park, Stony Brook, NY

The Advanced Energy Research & Technology Center building will strive to conform to the highest level of sustainability administered by the U.S. Green Building Council, a Washington D.C.-based, nonprofit coalition of building industry leaders. The building is being designed to achieve a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) platinum rating, which is designated by achieving maximum energy efficiency and minimum environmental impact in five distinct categories: sustainable site, water efficiency, energy & atmosphere, material & resources and indoor environmental quality. There are only 25 buildings with a LEED Platinum rating in the country. The AERTC is expected to be the first LEED Platinum Rated building in New York State.

Sustainable Site- Parking for low emission vehicles and use of vegetation that eliminates storm water run-off, while providing shade to keep blacktop from generating heat will be used. Water Efficiency- Landscaping that requires no irrigation will be used, as will a system for collecting rain water on the roof, which will be used for flushing toilets.

Energy and Atmosphere- Photovoltaic cells will be used to create energy and block excessive sunlight. Windows will be used strategically, as a source of light. Energy efficient desk lamps will be used in favor of overhead light.

Materials and Resources- use of recycled building materials will exceed 20%. 75% of construction waste will also be diverted to recycling sites.

Indoor & Environmental Quality- Extensive venting will prevent pollution during construction. An efficient air pumping system will provide above average levels of fresh air, which will be carefully monitored. A minimum of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), commonly found in such things as carpeting and furniture will be used.

 

To learn more about the U.S. Green Builder's Association and the LEEDS rating system, click here.