The IUPUI Campus Center

About the Center

What is Sustainability?

Sustainability has become a catchphrase in recent years as organizations work to meet their present needs without compromising those of future generations. IUPUI has shown a commitment to sustainability in the design and management of campus buildings and construction projects through the use of sustainable materials and practices. When considering new projects, the United States Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system or an equivalent rating system will be considered and implemented to the extent possible. More information about IUPUI’s commitment to a green campus can be found at http://cees.iupui.edu/Education/Campus_Sustainability.

Although the Campus Center project was never intended to be certified by the USGBC as a LEED compliant building, certain features contained in the project could be considered "sustainable" in accordance with the criteria established under the USGBC LEED-NC for new construction program. The following is a list of such elements categorized in accordance with USGBC LEED-NC v 2.2 for New Construction:

Sustainable Sites

• Locating building on an urban site on what was an existing parking lot reduces overall development impact on the environment by using existing infrastructure
• Public transportation accessible within ¼ mile encourages use of alternative means of transportation
• Providing bicycle storage encourages alternative means of transportation to facility
• Utilizing the existing parking garages without providing any additional parking encourages use of alternative means of transportation while reducing land development impact
• Use of light colored roof membrane and pavers reduces the heat-island effect of buildings by minimizing the impact on microclimate

Water Efficiency

• Installation of low flow type water closets, urinals and lavatories reduces the demand for potable water demand and the burden on the municipal water supply
• Installation of sensor-operated plumbing fittings reduces the potable water demand and the burden on the municipal water supply

Energy and Atmosphere

• None CFC-based refrigerants used in the HVAC systems reduces ozone depleting chemicals
• Sun shades along the south facade reduces solar heat gain and optimizes energy performance
• Radiant in-slab piping at ground levels provides passive heating/cooling which optimizes energy performance by reducing the load on the forced air system
• Specifying all glass with low-emissivity coatings improves energy performance
• Frit patterns in the glass along the south façade improves energy performance while maintaining visibility and connectivity between the indoor and outdoor spaces

Materials and Resources

• Incorporated recycling centers throughout the facility reduces the waste generated by building occupants that is hauled to and disposed of in landfills
• Specifying domestically available Maple veneers for wood paneling encourages environmentally responsible forest management
• Specifying domestically available Douglas Fir flooring at Multi-Purpose Room encourages environmentally responsible forest management
• Selecting regionally available limestone for exterior cladding reduces the environmental impact resulting from transportation of materials

Indoor Environmental Quality

• Mechanical system designed to meet ASHRAE 62.1-2004, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality and thus contributes to the comfort and well-being of the occupants
• Non-smoking building improves indoor air quality and minimizes the exposure of building occupants, indoor surfaces, and ventilation air distribution systems to Environmental Tobacco Smoke
• Selected low-emitting paints, sealants and adhesives which improves air quality for both installers and occupants
• Permanent entryway vestibules capture dirt and particulates from entering building thus minimizing exposure of building occupants to potentially hazardous particulates and chemical pollutants
• Providing individual lighting controls as well as lighting systems which enable lighting adjustment that meet group needs and preferences promote the productivity, comfort and well-being of building occupants
• Providing individual thermal comfort controls for the building occupants to enable adjustments to suit individual task needs and preferences promotes the productivity, comfort and well-being of building occupants

Innovation and Design Process

• Project design team consisted of LEED Accredited Professionals encourages design integration of green building components

Note: To the best of the design team's knowledge, the items listed above comprise features which may be considered as part of a LEED rating and certification program. Inclusion in the list does not guarantee that they meet all the criteria established for certification.

Sustainability Resources

• Campus Common Theme
• "Reducing energy emissions," Bulletin
• "Santa Clara," Bulletin
• ACUI
• Energy Action
• New Energy for Campuses, Energy-Saving Policies for College and Universities
• The Campus Sustainability Office at the University of British Columbia
• Clean Air for a Cool Planet
• The Harvard Green Campus Initiative's Green Teams
• Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education
• Higher Education Climate Action Project
• Second Nature
• Energy Star
• U.S. and Canadian campuses sustainability policies
• Campus Center Saves Electricity

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