VLS Named One of the Biggest LEED-Certified Buildings
The Villanova University School of Law was named one of the biggest LEED-certified buildings in the Delaware Valley by Philadelphia Business Journal.
When the law school building opened in 2009, it was awarded Gold Certification, the second highest level in the five-tiered Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification process. LEED certification involves an extremely rigorous process that measures sustainability by taking into account energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, materials used, sustainable site development and water savings.
Sustainable planning for the building began with its design and continued with its construction and usage. Every effort was made to procure materials from suppliers within a 500 mile radius of the construction site, further minimizing the environmental impact of the project. The asphalt removed from the old parking lot was ground up on site and compacted under the new law school's foundation. In addition to the individual room occupancy lighting sensors, large area lighting and outside glass envelopes were designed to consider ambient light continuously in order to increase energy savings. The white membrane roofing system also helps control heat and cold, again, lowering energy consumption. All of these features are tied together by a digitally-automated building management system that consumes at least 30% less energy when compared to conventional technology. Restroom fixtures and overall plumbing lower water use by 40%. The landscaping around the building incorporated native plantings, runoff was carefully managed and premium parking spots were reserved for alternative fuel vehicles to encourage their use.
Click here to view the Philadelphia Business Journal’s complete list of biggest LEED-certified buildings in the Delaware Valley.
