News Release
Sustainability is hallmark of new residence hall
June 24, 2009
Sustainability is the hallmark of the newest residence hall to be constructed at Penn State Harrisburg.
In keeping with the University’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the $10 million, 30,000-square-foot structure is planned to be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified and considers the environment and energy efficiency.
Designed by SMP Architects of Philadelphia to house 100 first-year students, the residence hall “underscores the University’s commitment to provide quality education in a safe, comfortable, state-of-the-art environment,” Chancellor Madlyn L. Hanes commented at the recent groundbreaking.
Christopher Hurley, senior director of housing and food services for commonwealth campuses, stresses that the overall design and planning for the residence hall expected to be complete for the fall 2010 semester was done with energy considerations and sustainability at the forefront. In addition, current students were consulted on what they would want in a new building with suggestions incorporated into the final design.
The east-west orientation of the four-story building on campus will provide for optimal energy conservation and natural lighting while stormwater will be managed by way of rain gardens and site design using native species plantings for drought tolerance and healthy ecosystem establishment.
“The building itself will contain recycled-content materials including concrete, steel, carpet, counters, storage lockers, and ceilings,” Hurley reports. “There will be renewable biofiber paneling and millwork, sustainably managed lumber for the roof structure, locally sourced building materials to support area economies and minimize transportation energy, exterior shades to moderate seasonal changes in sun angles, and built-in recycling centers on all levels.”
The mechanical units will recover energy from exhaust air for reuse in the building, individual heat pump units for heating and cooling will manage energy needs depending on space orientation and use, energy-efficient lighting systems with occupancy sensor controls will be installed throughout the structure, and the bathrooms will include low-flow sinks and showers and dual-flush water closets.
Hurley adds that in addition to the energy-saving and sustainable aspects of the building, it will also be equipped with a state-of-the-art sprinkler and fire/smoke detection system, a keyless wireless card access system for all student room doors, and a security surveillance system at entry doors. The latest in wireless technology for student computers and web-based technology to monitor energy usage is also included.
The project was prompted by the continued growth in enrollments at Penn State Harrisburg with the waiting list for on-campus housing growing each year. When completed, the facility will increase the number of students residing on campus to 430.