East Neighborhood Commons becomes Elon University’s 34th LEED certification, having received LEED Silver certification.
East Neighborhood Commons, the latest building to be added to the East Neighborhood, has been awarded LEED Silver certification. The 43,000 square-foot facility provides additional beds, office space and a large multipurpose space for the neighborhood.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is a widely used green building rating system in the US and internationally. LEED for Building Design and Construction assesses projects on a point-based system that considers project location and sustainable transportation options, sustainable site development, water efficiency, energy efficiency, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, innovation, and elements of regional priority.
The building has numerous sustainable features, including low flow plumbing fixtures and energy efficient systems. Compared to standard plumbing fixtures, the low flow fixtures in the building are expected to reduce potable water usage by about 35%. The energy cost savings for the building is about 24% compared to a building that just meets the standard building energy code.
East Neighborhood Commons is within walking distance of many commonly used buildings on campus, including Belk Library and Moseley Center. A site assessment was completed before construction, and the site includes ample open space for residents to enjoy. During construction, over 75% of the waste was recycled or reused, which kept it out of the landfill. Several products used in the facility contain recycled content, such as structural steel, drywall and aluminum framing, which reduces the need for virgin materials.
Providing excellent indoor environmental quality was another essential component in the design and construction of the building, as it contributes to the health and productivity of building occupants. One example is the use of materials with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Low VOC products allow for better air quality during and after construction. Several of the furniture pieces in the building have earned a third-party certification that focuses on good indoor air quality.
Elon has a Green Building Policy, which states that new construction projects and major renovations of more than 8,000 square feet will achieve LEED certification. Most of Elon’s projects have received LEED Silver; however, Elon also has 11 LEED Gold certifications (four of which are LEED for Homes) and six LEED for Homes Platinum certifications.
Additional details about East Neighborhood Commons’ sustainable features can be found online.